Comparison of conventional cervical cytological sampling (Ayre's spatula, endocervical brush) and the PapCone as seen by scanning electron microscopy

Considering that the basis for a good quality cervical smear is a correct sampling method, a variety of technologies or clinical strategies have been proposed to improve Pap testing including various devices for collecting cytological cervical samples. This is an original contribution on the ultrastructure of a new cervical sampling device. The PapCone is a cone-shaped polyurethane sampling device designed by the University Hospital Göttingen (Germany) to obtain simultaneously cells from the ecto- and the endocervix. It has the properties of a soft brush and at the same time it acts as a soft spatula by being pressed to the ectocervix. We evaluated the ultrastructure of human cervical cells by means of scanning electron microscopy, comparing the samples obtained with the Papcone with the traditional wooden Ayre’s spatula and the endocervical Cytobrush. The PapCone showed a macroporous structure that favored adhesion of ecto- and endocervical cells. Lactobacilli were well recognized. In conclusion, PapCone is a good and low traumatic method for sampling cervical cells, that can be useful especially in case of flogosis or cervical bleeding.