Does a short interval between two pap smears significantly affect the result of the second smear?

• Main Authors: Kolben, TM, Bergauer, F, Moeckel, J, Böttcher, B, Thaler, C, Crispin, A, Kolben, T, Dannecker, C, Mahner, S, Gallwas, J
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0016-5751; 1438-8804
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1593054

Background: Only limited data is available on the impact of a short interval between two pap smears. Most institutions practice a minimal time span of six to eight weeks before obtaining a second smear. A short interval is commonly believed to be associated with an increase of false-negative results in the second smear. Methods: Two consecutive pap smears were obtained from 81 women. 41 smears were processed using the conventional technique, whereas liquid-based cytology was used in the remaining 40 women. Smears were evaluated by 4 different cytopathologists. We analyzed the effect of the short time interval, the different processing techniques and individual differences in the cytological evaluation. Results: There were no significant differences in the cytological evaluation of the two consecutive pap smears (p = 0,07). Further, there were no significant differences between conservative and liquid based cytology (p = 0,31). However, the interobserver variability was high and had a significant impact on the overall results (p < 0,01). Conclusion: Pap smears can be repeated immediately without a significant impact on the result. Interobserver variability of different cytopathologists is high and should be kept in mind when evaluating cytology results.