Does providing previous results change the accuracy of cervical cytology?
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether providing previous cytology and histology findings alters the accuracy of conventional cervical cytology reading or changes reading times. STUDY DESIGN: Each of 9 cytologists read 9 batches of 8 routinely referred Pap smears (total, 648 slides), with history (H) and without history (NH), at an interval of no less than 4 weeks. Each batch was read blind to the result of reading under the other strategy and to histology. Histologic cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or more severe was the reference standard. Accuracy of reading was assessed across all thresholds using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and by sensitivity and specificity at a cytology threshold of possible low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (consistent with atypical squamous cells of undermined significance). RESULTS: Areas under the ROC curve, sensitivities and specificities were similar if read with or without history, except for 1 reader for whom reading with history
