Preliminary evaluation of cyto‐rich: An improved automated cytology preparation

A new cervical cytology monolayer preparation system called Cyto‐Rich was evaluated. Using samples from 557 patients, Cyto‐Rich monolayers were compared to matched conventional smears. After conventional smears were prepared and spray fixed, residual exfoliated cells were transferred to preservative fluid. The cell suspensions were gently disaggregated and the epithelial component enriched with gradient centrifugal sedimentation. The batched samples were then placed on the Cyto‐Rich work station where slides are automatically prepared and stained. The results demonstrate that Cyto‐Rich prepared monolayers are vastly superior to the conventional smears for cell presentation. While the study showed 99% overall concordance, Cyto‐Rich improved the detection of low‐grade cervical intraepithelial lesions.