Sputum cytology: a limited role.
J Clin Pathol
; 50(7): 566-8, 1997 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-9306936
ABSTRACT
AIMS:
To determine the cost and sensitivity of sputum cytology in routine use and to determine when sputum cytology is most appropriate.METHODS:
A retrospective study, based on all sputum cytology requests received in five histopathology/cytopathology laboratories in Yorkshire from 1 January to 31 December 1993. Cytology findings were correlated with histological diagnosis or clinical outcome, and related to the speciality of the referring clinician.RESULTS:
Laboratory practice and performance was similar in all five centres. The average laboratory cost of sputum cytology was 26.93. The mean absolute sensitivity was 36% and the specificity was 99.6%. The majority of specimens was submitted by general physicians or geriatricians. The largest proportion of positive specimens were submitted by chest physicians.CONCLUSIONS:
Often sputum cytology is used inappropriately as a screening investigation on, or soon after, admission. In addition, it is used inappropriately before bronchoscopy. Sputum cytology should be limited to individuals in whom a histological diagnosis is desired, but in whom bronchoscopy is inappropriate or unsuccessful.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Escarro
/
Neoplasias Pulmonares
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Health_economic_evaluation
/
Observational_studies
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Clin Pathol
Ano de publicação:
1997
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Reino Unido