Cervical cytology with the Papette sampler.

The most reliable cervical smears for the detection of cervical cancer and its precursors are those which contain cells from the transformation zone and endocervical canal. To verify that these regions have been sampled, the cytologist must recognize either endocervical cells or immature squamous metaplastic cells on the smears. We performed an open clinical trial with a new device, the Papette, which simultaneously samples both the exocervix and endocervix. The overall cytologic quality of the smears and the device's acceptability to physicians were assessed in 1,000 women seen consecutively. The smears were compared with those collected from 1,000 women immediately after the trial using the Ayre spatula-Zelsmyr Cytobrush technique. Both the Papette and the spatula-Cytobrush obtained satisfactory smears in 91.4% and 96.0% of cases, respectively. Cell transfer onto glass slides was easier and bleeding observed less frequently with the Papette than with the spatula-Cytobrush, but the latter was more suitable for patients with a retroflexed uterus and narrow external os. Overall, the Papette harvested high-quality cellular samples and may be an option for cervical cytology.