Monsel's solution-induced artifact in the uterine cervix.

We documented and quantified Monsel's solution-related artifacts after cervical biopsies. All loop electrosurgical cone biopsy specimens over a 3-month period were reviewed for necrosis artifact of the surface epithelium. The degree of change was quantified and correlated with the antecedent use of Monsel's solution. Twenty-four cone biopsy specimens were evaluated. Three of the eight cone biopsy specimens obtained fewer than 10 days after the use of Monsel's solution showed definite changes. Between 10 and 18 days after the use of Monsel's solution, four of eight specimens showed change. After 18 days, none of eight specimens showed change. One specimen at 18 days showed focal changes that seemed to be related to the use of an unusually large amount of Monsel's solution, because the patient had had six biopsies within 2 days. The routine use of Monsel's solution may interfere with the ability to recognize and characterize disease process in cone biopsy specimens when the cone procedure is done within 3 weeks after the use of Monsel's solution.