Sampling with a cotton tip applicator is inappropriate.Similar procedures should be followed for sampling cells for liquid-based cytology (LBC), but only plastic devices may be used.

Liquid based cytology (LBC) is a way of preparing cervical samples for examination in the laboratory. A thin layer of the cells is deposited onto a slide.

Abstract:The study was undertaken to evaluate liquid based cytology (Pap spin) and to compare the sensitivity of Pap spin with conventional Pap smear.

Cervical cancer is unusual in having a pre-invasive stage (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or CIN), which potentially makes it almost completely preventable by screening.