Liquid-based cytology (LBC) of the cervix with sampling at a medical centre

Liquid-based cytology (LBC) of the cervix with sampling at a Medical Centre

Liquid-based cytology (LBC) detects about 64% more high-risk lesions than traditional cytology. This allows early detection of neoplastic lesions. There is a chance that cervical cancer can be completely cured: if detected early, it is almost 100% curable.

Cytological test should be carried out every 3-5 years, because the cervical cancer symptoms are only visible and noticeable at an advanced stage. In Poland, cervical cancer accounts for more than 10% of cancers among women.

Who the test is for?

Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is recommended for all women of childbearing potential, as well as young adults who have started sexual relationships – it is recommended to get tested in three years after the first sexual contact. Sexually inactive women should undergo their first cytology test at the age of 25 (at the latest).

Advantages of liquid-based cytology (LBC) over conventional cytology

Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is an alternative to conventional cytology.  This is a different and more accurate method of testing. The difference in technique is that the brush with the collected material is first transferred to a container filled with a proper fixative fluid. Only then, in the laboratory, the suspension from the test tube is applied to the glass slide to obtain one layer of cells. In conventional cytology, the collected sample is transferred to the microscope slide while still in the doctor's office, right after collection.  Liquid-based cytology allows for filtering out the impurities (e.g. blood, mucus, inflammatory cells) from preparation. Such impurities may hinder the assessment of cervical cells. Samples with a lot of blood, mucus and inflammatory cells are usually considered "unsatisfactory for assessment". As result patients sometimes need to repeat the test.

Placing the collected sample quickly in the fixative fluid prevents it from drying out and reduces the risk of errors in microscopic assessment due to inadequate fixation of the preparation. This makes it easier to find abnormalities.

Liquid-based cytology provides more cells for assessment than conventional cytology. This way it improves the quality of the smear assessment and reduces the number of false-negative results.

In countries where liquid-based cytology is already widely used, the percentage of incorrect samples and inconclusive results has decreased.

Contraindications for LBC examination:

Note that samples for the test cannot be collected during menstruation. 

Test procedure:

• The sample collection for examination is performed on a gynaecological chair.
• It involves inserting a speculum into the vagina and collecting a sample of the exfoliated cervical epithelium. This procedure is virtually painless, although patients may feel mild discomfort.
• The entire test, including the preparation, takes just a couple of minutes.

How to prepare for the LBC test:

• Sample collection for liquid-based cytology resembles a standard cytological examination and requires a patient to be appropriately prepared. Instructions on how to prepare for the cytology are included in the documents tab.

The waiting time for the result is up to 14 days. If the test result is correct, you can pick it up in person at the Medical Center where the test was performed. If the test was performed at a Medicover Medical Center, you will be informed via SMS about the possibility of collecting the result. You can also check in Medicover Online if you have a Medicover subscription. If the result is abnormal, a medical worker will contact you by phone and offer you an inpatient consultation with a gynecologist at the Medical Center. If you do not have a subscription - the visit will be charged. If it is not possible to contact the patient, the results will be sent by Polish Mail with confirmation of receipt. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)