Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC) – everything you need to know

Cytology is one of the basic tests that should be regularly performed for prevention and diagnosis by every woman. The test itself involves taking the epithelial cells from the cervix with a special brush. The sample is then secured and sent to the laboratory where it is assessed. Modern technology and the dynamic development of medicine have allowed for the creation of a test that a woman can even perform independently at home, in order to send the collected sample to the laboratory for further diagnostics. Liquid-based cytology, gives hope for increasing the detection of cervical cancer. What exactly is this examination?

Liquid-based cytology – what is it?

Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is also referred to as single-layer cytology and thin-layer cytology. These names represent an innovative method of taking a cervical smear to detect pre-cancerous and neoplastic changes. Liquid cytology is characterized by greater accuracy, which results directly from the used technology. The sample sent to the laboratory consists of a monolayer of cells that is placed directly in the container with the fixative fluid. Its presence significantly reduces the risk of irregularities. Moreover, this method makes it possible to perform such an examination not only in a doctor's office, but also at home.

According to forecasts performed by the World Health Organization (WHO), self-sampling can help achieve the global goal of reaching 70% of the screening needs by 2030.

You can find out more about cervical cancer prevention in this article: Cervical Cancer Prevention – What You Need To Know

Cytology at home – self-sampling

Thanks to the accuracy of the examination, it is possible to perform it even at home. Liquid cytology is becoming more and more available, and special self-examination kits can be easily purchased online. Importantly, the companies selling them specialize in both providing telemedicine services and conducting laboratory tests.

How does the whole procedure look like? It is extremely simple. The kit purchased online will be delivered by courier (who will also appear to pick up the finished test). Then, read the instructions attached to the set – it contains a detailed description of individual activities. After the smear is performed, it should be secured, labeled and the documents attached to the set should be completed. Then you just need to submit a request for shipment to the laboratory. Depending on the service provider, the waiting time for results can be from 1 to 2 weeks.

The set consists of:

• A special brush
• Container with a liquid medium
• Package Leaflet
• Self-adhesive labels
• Sample collection protocol
• List of information for people performing the test

The queues for specialists are often very long, sometimes appointment has to be canceled by patient, and the next available date is several (or more) months away. For many women, a visit to the gynecologist is an unpleasant duty that is associated with a feeling of embarrassment, and in some cases also with a large dose of stress. Liquid cytology in the form of a self-examination kit is an ideal solution to such situations – the sample can be taken at a convenient time.

Liquid-based and normal cytology

Traditional cytology consists in transferring the collected material to the slide, which in the case of inadequate distribution, which is related to e.g. with the risk of cell overlapping may result in an erroneous result.

Liquid-based cytology, on the other hand, involves taking a sample of cervical epithelial cells and then transferring it to a container with a fixative fluid. Thanks to this, the risk of incorrect sample preparation is minimized, and the swab itself is more accurate – it allows you to detect changes that may have escaped conventional cytology. Consequently, the obtained result better illustrates our health.

Liquid-based cytology is characterized by greater accuracy, and thus allows the detection of changes that may have been missed by traditional cytology. It is also used in the diagnosis of HPV – it is possible to perform an additional test for the presence of HPV, without the need to collect another sample.

If you want to learn more about HPV, see the article: HPV – human papillomavirus. Causes, symptoms, treatment