Chapter 3 Answers to self-check questions

The cervical screening process

3.1 How can altering the screening interval help to limit the consequences of a false negative test?

A shorter screening interval will limit the consequences of a false negative test because it allows subsequent testing (and therefore detection) to occur before serious progression of the disease/ condition.

 

3.2 What other terms are used, both historically and internationally, for intraepithelial lesions of the cervix?

Squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), dysplasia.

 

3.3 What are the popular names given to the cervical cytology test and how do you think they were derived?

Pap test—named after Georgios Papanicolaou. Smear test—named after the original method of sample preparation.

 

3.4 Can you list two low-risk HPV types and two high-risk HPV types?

Low-risk types—HPV 6 and HPV 11. High-risk types—HPV 16 and HPV 18.

 

3.5 What are the differences between TOC for CIN and glandular lesions?

Only completely excised cervical glandular lesions (CGIN) are covered by HPV test of cure. The patient can only be returned to routine recall following two samples (at six and 18 months after treatment) which are cytology negative and test negative for high-risk HPV.

 

3.6 What is the minimum number of patient identifiers required for unique identification of a patient/sample?

A minimum of three patient identifiers are required.

 

3.7 Can you name two solutions that are applied to the cervix during colposcopy in order to identify abnormal tissue?

1. Weak acetic acid solution 2. Iodine solution

 

3.8 Why are excision margins important?

Excision margins are important in assessing whether all the diseased tissue has been removed and therefore whether the treatment has been successful.

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