An Analysis of Quality Control in Pap Cytology in A Tertiary Care Centre By Using ASC to SIL Ratio

Authors

  • Hemalatha J "ESIC Medical College & Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore"
  • Deepak Kumar B "ESIC Medical College & Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore"
  • Srinivasa Murthy V "ESIC Medical College & Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore"
  • Vani BR "ESIC Medical College & Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore"

Keywords:

Atypical squamous cells, Squamous intraepithelial lesion, Quality control

Abstract

Background: Atypical Squamous Cells (ASC) is a common gynaecological cytologic abnormality, comprising around 5% of Papanicolaou test results. It reflects a diagnosis of uncertainty and is used as an intra-laboratory & inter-laboratory comparison tool for quality control purposes. For this purpose, ASC/SIL ratio can be used as a quality control measure. Bethesda system suggests that ASC/SIL ratio for an individual or laboratory should be less than 2:1 or 3:1.

Objectives:To assess the ratio of ASC/SIL categories and thereby evaluation of quality control in gynaecological cytology smears.

Methods: The present study being a retrospective study was conducted in the Dept. of Pathology, ESIC Medical College& Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, (ESIC MC & PGIMSR), Rajajinagar, Bangalore. Archived cases of preceding 5 years from Jan 2012 to Nov 2016 were taken. The clinical details were retrieved from records. The study included conventional pap stained smears of ASC-US, ASC-H, LSIL, HSIL and SCC. A total of 436 cases were studied. ASC/SIL ratio was calculated. ASC component included ASC-US and ASC-H. SIL component included LSIL, HSIL and SCC.

Results: Of the total 436 cases, 226 cases were ASCUS and ASC-H and 210 cases were LSIL,HSIL and SCC. ASC/SIL ratio was obtained by dividing the sum of all ASC cases by the sum of all SIL cases. The ratio obtained was 1.1:1 which is below the upper bench mark of 3:1.

Conclusion: Monitoring the ASC/SIL ratio of a laboratory is a useful quality control measure.Bethesda system have suggested that the ratio should be less than 3 and others have suggested that lower ratios are desirable. As diagnosis of ASCUS conveys uncertainty, a low ratio decreases the uncertainty produced by laboratory and may reduce the percentage of women with negative biopsy results.

 

DOI: 10.21276/APALM.1421

Author Biographies

Hemalatha J, "ESIC Medical College & Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore"

Department of Pathology, Post graduate student

Deepak Kumar B, "ESIC Medical College & Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore"

Department of Pathology,  Associate Professor

Srinivasa Murthy V, "ESIC Medical College & Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore"

Department of Pathology,  Professor and Head

Vani BR, "ESIC Medical College & Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore"

Department of Pathology, Associate Professor

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Published

31-08-2017

How to Cite

1.
J H, Kumar B D, Murthy V S, BR V. An Analysis of Quality Control in Pap Cytology in A Tertiary Care Centre By Using ASC to SIL Ratio. Ann of Pathol and Lab Med [Internet]. 2017 Aug. 31 [cited 2024 Nov. 19];4(4):A393-396. Available from: https://pacificejournals.com/journal/index.php/apalm/article/view/apalm1421

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 4 (2017)

Section

Original Article

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Copyright (c) 2017 Hemalatha J, Deepak Kumar B, Srinivasa Murthy V, Vani BR

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