Utility of residual AutoCyte cervical cytology samples for image analysis

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the utility of residual liquid-preserved cervical cytology samples for DNA profiling studies. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety- nine liquid-preserved cervical cytology samples from a high-risk population were received two months after the initial diagnosis at another laboratory. Each residual sample was processed to yield one Papanicolaou-stained and one Feulgen-thionin-stained slide. The former were examined manually without knowledge of the submitted findings and were also examined on the AutoCyte SCREEN interactive system. DNA profiling of >185 cells per case was performed on an RPW image analyzer. Results were compared with submitted diagnoses. RESULTS: The 99 cases included 59 normals, 9 ASCUS/AGCUS, 16 HSIL, 12 carcinomas and 3 unsatisfactory. Interlaboratory agreement between residual and initial samples was good (unweighted kappa = .609). Abnormals were characterized by 2C deviation indices >2.0 and 5C exceeding rates >4.37%. AutoCyte SCREEN system examination of residual slides of high grade abnormalities was 100% sensitive and 40% specific. CONCLUSION: Residual AutoCyte cervical cytology samples are stable and yield reproducible results for routine and ancillary studies of cervical cytologic abnormalities. The AutoCyte SCREEN system was 100% sensitive for high grade abnormalities in this enriched sample, even when operating on residual material.