Use of sampling devices in cervical screening

The cervibroom is the recommended sampling device for cervical screening as it is able to provide sufficient cells for both cytology and HPV testing and effectively sample the endocervical / transformation zone. It is normally used alone as a sampling device for both SurePath and ThinPrep liquid-based cytology (LBC) samples.

The absence of an endocervical / transformation zone component does not indicate a limited or less than satisfactory sample and does not warrant use of an additional sampling device or early recall.

Rates of unsatisfactory cervical samples have significantly reduced since conversion to LBC in all laboratories in 2009. Sample takers may consider using a cytobrush in addition to a cervibroom following an unsatisfactory result, particularly in post-menopausal women where the squamo-columnar junction may be high in the endocervical canal.

A review of technique using the cervibroom should be considered if a sample taker is regularly receiving unsatisfactory sample results. Due to the fine cutting edge design of the cervibroom bristles, it is only effective when sufficiently rotated in a clockwise direction.

The cervibroom is also able to be used for vault samples.

Gynaecology/colposcopy specialists may consider the use of the cytobrush on a case by case basis in consideration of previous results and the clinical presentation.