Pap Smears Work Better

PARIS (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Researchers in Paris found new cervical smear tests are unreliable and should not replace conventional tests, or Pap smears.

French researchers studied 828 women referred to a hospital due to abnormalities on their previous tests and 1,757 women visiting a health care facility for routine tests. Each woman had a conventional cervical smear exam. The remaining material was then tested using two new methods called monolayer cytology and human papillomavirus testing. Researchers say these tests are replacing conventional smear tests in several countries, including the United States.

Results of the study show conventional tests are more often satisfactory than the newer tests. Conventional tests yielded a 91 percent satisfactory rate compared to an 87 percent rate with monolayer cytology tests. Conventional tests also consistently had better sensitivity and specificity than monolayer cytology. Results also show human papillomavirus testing performed no better than conventional tests. These findings apply to clinical readings, optimized interpretations, low- and high-grade lesions, and low and high incidence of abnormalities.

Investigators conclude monolayer testing is less reliable and more expensive than conventional tests. They add human papillomavirus testing needs to be further evaluated.

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