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The Bethesda system (TBS), officially called The Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology, is a system for reporting cervical or vaginal cytologic diagnoses, [1] used for reporting Pap smear results. It was introduced in 1988 [2] and revised in 1991, [3] 2001, [1] [4] [5] and 2014. [6]
Normal cervical cells in a Pap smear. In the conventional Pap smear, the collected cells are smeared on a microscope slide, and a fixative is applied. The slide is evaluated in a pathology lab to identify cellular abnormalities. Accuracy of conventional cytology report: [10] sensitivity: 55% to 88%; specificity: 71% to 94%
The Papanicolaou test (abbreviated as Pap test, also known as Pap smear (AE), [1] cervical smear (BE), cervical screening (BE), [2] or smear test (BE)) is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix (opening of the uterus or womb) or, more rarely, anus (in both men and women). [3]
However, Medicare covers a PAP smear once every 2 years for most people. Glossary of Medicare terms We may use a few terms in this article that can be helpful to understand when selecting the best ...
The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988 (CLIA 88) was passed in the USA subsequent to the publication of an article in November 1987 in The Wall Street Journal entitled "Lax Laboratories: The Pap Test Misses Much Cervical Cancer Through Labs Errors", which alerted the public to the fact that a pap smear may be falsely negative.
Because of the link between HPV and cervical cancer, the ACS currently recommends early detection of cervical cancer in average-risk asymptomatic adults primarily with cervical cytology by Pap smear, regardless of HPV vaccination status. Women aged 30–65 should preferably be tested every 5 years with both the HPV test and the Pap test.
The two screening methods available are the Pap smear and testing for HPV. CIN is usually discovered by a screening test, the Pap smear. The purpose of this test is to detect potentially precancerous changes through random sampling of the transformation zone. Pap smear results may be reported using the Bethesda system (see above).
Depending on patient's age or Pap smear result, HPV testing may also be performed. Sexually transmitted infection screening - Depending on age and risk factors, clinicians may recommend gonorrhea or chlamydia testing at the time of the well-woman exam. This sample can be collected via a swab of the cervix or vagina.