LBC liquid cytology

Liquid cytology (LBC) is a modern diagnostic method that detects cervical cancer with greater accuracy than traditional cytology. The Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians recommends the use of this technique as a standard for women's cancer prevention. The examination uses a special liquid substrate instead of a slide, which increases the detection of abnormal lesions and reduces the number of illegible results. For the patient, the course remains identical to that of classic cytology. Regular screening once a year can save lives - early detection of cervical cancer is 99% curable. Find out all the advantages and indications of this groundbreaking diagnostic method.

Highlights

  • LBC liquid cytology replaces traditional cytology on glass as recommended by the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians.
  • The LBC method detects more cells and minimises the risk of cell damage, providing more accurate diagnostic results.
  • In Poland, five women a day die from cervical cancer, but early detection of cancer is 99% curable.
  • The test should be performed 4 days after and 4 days before menstruation, avoiding vaginal medicines and tampons.

Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC)


Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC) is the latest diagnostic method for diagnosing cancer and pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix. According to the expert recommendations of the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, this examination should replace the traditional cytology performed on glass and become a permanent feature in a woman's examination calendar.

What is liquid cytology?

Liquid cytology is a modern and more accurate cytological examination for the diagnosis of cancer. The differences for the patient are not perceptible in any way. In a traditional cytological examination, a smear from the vaginal mucosa is taken on a slide, whereas in LBC cytology, a special liquid medium is used. The patient does not feel any change because, as in a traditional examination, a swab is taken with a special sterile brush from the cervical wall in liquid cytology.

What are the expert recommendations?

Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC) is the latest diagnostic method for diagnosing cancer and pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix. According to the recommendations of experts from the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, this examination should replace traditional cytology performed on glass and become a permanent item on a woman's examination calendar.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is still one of the most dangerous female cancers. In Poland, as many as five women a day die from this disease every day! Women between the ages of 35 and 59 most often suffer from cervical cancer. The disease is extremely insidious and develops slowly, often without showing any symptoms. For many years, a woman may not be aware that a dangerous cancer is developing in her body. To avoid the deadly risk, all you need to do is to get examined regularly.

GET YOURSELF EXAMINED REGULARLY

Early detected cancer is 99% curable! Remember to have a prophylactic cytology once a year.

Prevention above all

The basic examination for the prevention of cervical cancer is cytology. This quick and uncomplicated examination should be performed annually and, if the result is normal, at least every three years. Nowadays, instead of the traditional examination, it is recommended to use LBC fluid cytology, which is a newer and more accurate technique of cytological examination.

Advantages of liquid cytology

Liquid cytology is a technology with high diagnostic value, making it possible to detect cancer more effectively at an early, completely curable stage.

Learn about the advantages of liquid cytology over traditional cytology:

  • the LBC method detects a greater number of cells sampled thanks to modern processing techniques, Na

  • the risk of cell damage is minimised,

  • fewer unreadable results,

  • the result is more accurate and detailed and the detection of abnormalities is higher.

In addition, it is possible to carry out tests from previously collected material, such as tests for HPV, which is responsible for cervical cancer.

And also importantly, a more accurate test result allows for a quicker and accurate diagnostic decision.

How do I prepare for a liquid cytology test?

Preparation for a liquid cytology test is no different to that for a traditional cytology.

It is worth remembering that:

  • It is best to attend for cytology collection no earlier than 4 days after the last day of menstruation and no later than 4 days before the start of menstruation,

  • do not attend the examination on a day when there is menstrual bleeding,

  •  

    No vaginal medication or tampons should be used prior to swabbing.

  • wait one day after the last gynaecological examination / transvaginal ultrasound and sexual intercourse.

Liquid cytology is a safe test for pregnant patients. There is a wait of approximately 14 working days for the result.

Liquid cytology at Invimed clinics

You can have a cytology test at any Invimed clinic.

In accordance with the recommendations of the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, liquid cytology is performed as standard in the Invimed Clinic. Only at the express wish of the patient or doctor do we perform the examination using the traditional method.

You don't need to make an appointment for an examination at:

  • Warsaw,

  • WrocÅ‚aw,N

  • Poznan

  • Katowice

At the clinic in Gdynia, the collection of material for examination is performed during a visit to the gynaecologist.

Frequently asked questions - FAQ

Can liquid cytology be performed under reimbursement from the National Health Fund?

LBC liquid cytology is currently not reimbursed by the National Health Service. Patients can receive free traditional cytology as part of the cervical cancer prevention programme, but must pay privately for the more modern liquid method.

How much does liquid cytology cost compared to traditional cytology?

The cost of liquid cytology is available in the clinic's price list. The price difference is due to the use of modern technology and higher diagnostic accuracy, which may allow earlier detection of lesions.

Can a liquid cytology result be a false positive?

Like any diagnostic test, liquid cytology can give false-positive results. Although the LBC method is more accurate than the traditional method, an abnormal result always needs to be confirmed by additional tests, such as colposcopy or biopsy.

What do the abbreviations in the cytology result mean and when should you be worried?

Cytology results are classified according to the Bethesda system: NILM (normal), ASC-US/ASC-H (equivocal lesions), LSIL (light lesions), HSIL (severe lesions). HSIL and higher results are of concern and require immediate oncological consultation and further diagnostics.

The medical information presented should be considered as general guidelines and does not replace the individual judgement of the doctor regarding the medical management of each patient. The doctor, after a thorough examination of the patient's condition, determines the extent and frequency of diagnostic tests and/or therapeutic procedures, taking into account specific medical indications. All medical decisions are made in full consultation with the patient.

Author of the article

Invimed editorial team - we serve patients by solving their fertility problems. We use world medical knowledge, state-of-the-art technology and treatment methods. We are here to make dreams of parenthood come true. The smiles on the faces of happy parents give meaning to our work.

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