Liquid-based cytology (LBC) of the cervix

Liquid cytology (LBC) of the cervix - why should you get tested?

Diagnosis of cancerous lesions in the early stages of the disease allows for effective treatment - early detected cervical cancer is almost 100% curable, which is why it is so important to get tested regularly (at least every 3 years).

Liquid-based cytology is an alternative to cytology performed by the traditional method. It is a modern and, above all, accurate form of examination which is carried out during cancer diagnosis.

For whom is the examination intended?

The first cytology should take place no later than after the age of 25. The examination is recommended for all women of childbearing age and sexually active teenagers.

Why is it worth taking the test?

 

• Modern technique used for this test provides the patient with a more accurate result relative to classic cytology.
• A more accurate test result improves and speeds up the treatment process.

Liquid-based cytology, or LBC for short (from angelic liquid-based cytology), is an alternative to cytology performed by the traditional method. The main technical difference between these examinations is the use of a special fixing fluid in LBC cytology. This allows impurities (e.g., blood or mucus, inflammatory cells) to be filtered out of the specimen, which can hinder the evaluation of cervical cells. Highly contaminated specimens are usually considered "unsatisfactory for evaluation," resulting in patients sometimes having to repeat the collection. In addition, rapid placement of the collected specimen in fixative fluid protects it from drying out and reduces the risk of errors in microscopic evaluation. 

In liquid cytology, more cells are obtained for evaluation than in traditional cytology, which improves the quality of smear evaluation and reduces the number of false-negative results.
In countries where liquid cytology is already widely used, both the rate of abnormal collections and inconclusive results have decreased.

Contraindications to the service:

Important! The material for the test cannot be collected during menstruation.

How to prepare for a liquid cytology test?

There is no need to prepare specially for cytology. Before the test, you should maintain normal daily hygiene. Definitely do not rinse or wash the vagina internally. Do not have intercourse or use vaginal medications 48 hours before.

Course of the examination:

Collection of material for the examination is performed in the gynecological chair.
It involves inserting a speculum into the vagina and taking a sample of exfoliated cervical epithelium. This collection is virtually painless, although it may cause mild discomfort.
The entire procedure, including preparation, takes only a few minutes.