Unsatisfactory for Evaluation
The “unsatisfactory for evaluation” designation indicates that the specimen is unreliable for the detection of cervical abnormalities and a repeat specimen should be obtained. If abnormal cells are detected in a specimen, the specimen is never categorized as unsatisfactory.
General Categorization
This category allows a clinician to evaluate a Pap test quickly. Three choices are provided: “within normal limits,” “benign cellular changes,” and “epithelial cell abnormality.” A descriptive diagnosis is used to further categorize changes that are other than normal. If infectious or reactive changes (benign cellular changes) are identified along with an epithelial cell abnormality, the specimen is categorized according to the most clinically significant lesion.
Descriptive Diagnoses
Benign Cellular Changes
Diseases information
In this category, the Bethesda System provides for those samples that show changes consistent with infection or repair. Several infections may be identified cytologically with high specificity: trichomoniasis, yeast, and changes consistent with bacterial vaginosis. Changes associated with chlamydial infections should not be reported due to the low specificity of these changes. The term “reactive changes” is used to report cellular findings that are consistent with a reactive or reparative process, such as inflammation resulting from radiation or an intrauterine device.
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