LBC liquid cytology

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 larger number of cells collected for examination, thanks to modern techniques for processing the material collected for examination,

  • 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,

  • Wrocław,

  • Poznan,

  • Katowice

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