Accuracy of detection of trichomonas vaginalis organisms on a liquid-based papanicolaou smear.

Publication/Presentation Date

2-1-2003

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The study was undertaken to determine the accuracy of the liquid-based Papanicolaou (Pap) smear in the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis organisms in women.

STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred three consecutive patients who had the liquid-based Pap smear also underwent a culture for T vaginalis. A wet mount was performed if symptomatic. Results were analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values.

RESULTS: Forty-four patients (21.6%) had a positive culture. On the liquid-based Pap smear, 28 patients (13.8%) were positive for T vaginalis, showing a sensitivity of 61.4%, a specificity of 99.4%, a positive predictive value of 96.4%, and a negative predictive value of 90.8%. When wet mount and culture were compared, a sensitivity of 50%, a specificity of 93%, a positive predictive value of 77%, and a negative predictive value of 80% were obtained.

CONCLUSION: The presence of T vaginalis organisms, as stated by the liquid-based Pap smear pathology report, is accurate and warrants treatment without further testing.

Volume

188

Issue

2

First Page

354

Last Page

356

ISSN

0002-9378

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

12592239

Department(s)

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Document Type

Article

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