Abstract

FERREIRA, Clara Pinto; MACHADO, Alexandra; PINA, Alexandra  and  CRUZ, Ana Margarida. Cervical cytology and the use of lubricants: an evidence based review. Rev Port Clin Geral [online]. 2011, vol.27, n.6, pp.534-539. ISSN 0870-7103.

Objectives: To review recent evidence on the effect of lubricant on the cytological result obtained from cervical smears. Data sources: Evidence-based medicine websites and Índex de Revistas Médicas Portuguesas. Methods: A search for articles using the MeSH terms vaginal smears and lubricants published between January 2000 and January 2011 was conducted. Citations were also searched. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine - Levels of Evidence was used to assess the quality of studies, the levels of evidence and the strength of recommendations. Results: Of the 41 articles identified, eight were selected for this review. These included seven randomized controlled trials (RCT) and one retrospective study. Six of them (three with evidence level 1b and three with level 2b) conclude that lubricant does not affect the quality of the cytological samples obtained. The remaining two articles (level 2b) found interference with the cytological result by lubricant. Discussion: The use of lubricant in obtaining cervical smears is controversial and is usually not advised. Current knowledge in this area is limited. Clinical trials are heterogeneous with regard to design and techniques used. Trials with protocols that most resemble current clinical practice demonstrate no interference by lubricant with the quality of cytological samples. There is evidence that a small amount of water-based lubricant does not compromise the quality of cervical cytology results (Strength of recommendation A).

Keywords : Lubricants; Vaginal Smears.

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