Cervical Cytology
Once the clinical appearance of the cervix has been noted, a cytobrush is used to take a sample by rotating it a full 360 degrees, 5 times in contact with the cervix. The aim of this is to obtain a sample from the transformation zone.
Here is the view of the cervix with regions highlighted.
Cervical Os - On a normal cervix the squamo-columnar junction may be located here.
Columnar epithelium - There is a thin layer of columnar epithelium from the cervical canal that has been exposed as the cervix protrudes into the vagina.
Squamous epithelium - The squamous epithelium is continuous with that of the vagina.
Transformation zone - The cervix shows ectopy with the squamo-columnar junction outside the os. If a correct sampling technique is used then a suitable sample may be obtained from this region.
