Adequacy of cervical cytology sampling with the Cervex brush and the Aylesbury spatula: a population based randomised controlled trial.

Abstract

To compare the adequacy of cervical cytology sampling with two sampling instruments commonly used in primary care-namely, the Aylesbury spatula and the Cervex brush. Pair matched, population based randomised controlled trial. 86 general practices and family planning clinics in Greater Manchester. 15 882 cervical smears taken from women aged 20-64 years as part of the national cervical screening programme. Participating centres were allocated to sample with either the Cervex brush or the Aylesbury spatula. Inadequate smear rate. 5.4% and 5.5% (433/8086 and 426/7796) of smears taken with the Cervex brush and the Aylesbury spatula respectively were reported as inadequate (odds ratio 0.95; 95% confidence interval 0.74 to 1.22). The Cervex brush offers no advantage over the Aylesbury spatula in reducing inadequate smear rates in the primary care setting.