Gynecocytology deals with microscopical analysis of cells collected from the uterine cervix during screening programs or in gynecological examinations performed for diagnostic purposes. Cytological examination of cervical smears aims to detect and diagnose cervical diseases, precancerous conditions in time. Our laboratory works with one of the largest case numbers in the department, which means processing more than 35.000 cytological samples a year. Smears, liquid-based (LB)-samples come from the clinics of PTE Clinical Center, from the EEI of Pécs, and hospitals of Baranya County (Mohács, Siklós, Komló, Sellye). Besides, our department has a contract with more private health services in the region.
We perform our diagnostic work in a well-equipped, accredited laboratory with documented work processes, quality control, and local/international certificates. Five experienced cytopathologists, five screening assistants, two technicians, and administrators help in the professional operation of the laboratory. After prescreening of smears, the positive cases are evaluated in the form of a personal consultation between the screening assistants and the doctors. The cytology reports are prepared according to the recommendations of the latest Bethesda 2014 system.
The clinicopathological cooperation with the clinicians is extremely important, therefore we always participate in the multidisciplinary Oncoteam meetings held in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. As part of the quality control, we regard the every-day correlation of the cytological and histological results extremely important. Also, we think, that the active communication with the gynecologists is essential in professional work.
Besides the examination of routine PAP-smears, we use the liquid-based technique in an increasing number of cases. As part of the complex screening program, we offer the PCR-based, wide-spectrum, HPV-genotyping method, the HPV-DNA Flow Chip technique. This particular method can identify the most important 36 different HPV genotypes (18 high-risk and 18 low-risk viruses). We also have the opportunity to perform CINtecPlus, which is another important ancillary biomarker examination.
Our mission is to help the patients’ recovery by providing quick cytology diagnoses and to help the clinicians’ work with professional, diagnostic services, and complex cytology reports.