Medical device, non-sterile, for single use only, dispose immediately after use
- After inserting the speculum, cleanse the surface area of the ectocervix with a cotton swab to remove any mucus and debris.
- Select the Szalay Cyto-Spatula with the best possible shape and size from the series.
- Introduce the «tongue» of the spatula into the cervical canal, resting the «shoulder» of the spatula on the surface area of the ectocervix in the 3 o'clock position.
- Using gentle pressure, rotate the spatula in a clockwise direction (see the video clip). If the cervical canal is wide, ensure the «tongue» of the spatula remains in close contact with the internal wall of the cervical canal during rotation. If after rotating through 360° without any sign of bleeding (see important information) it is felt that the sample is insufficient, repeat the procedure once or twice.
- Always spread the extracted cells lengthways along a slide. If distribution of the cell material is uneven, the same spatula may be used for re-spreading.
- Fix the slide immediately.
- Discard the Szalay Cyto-Spatula after use.
- The Szalay Cyto-Spatula is pre-scored and is an ideal sampling device for liquid-based methods of analysis. The head of the Spatula can be detached easily from the stem and put directly in a vial with a preservative fluid for dispatch.
Important information on the use of the Szalay Cyto-Spatula
Slight bleeding may occur during extraction of the material in 2-3% of cases, which however will not interfere with the subsequent colposcopic examination. If the patient is duly forewarned, slight spotting for 1-2 days is not unduly worrisome. Only very rarely does the blood affect the cytologic assessment. The colposcopic examination may also be conducted prior to taking the cervical smear! The most favorable time for the cervical smear is in the middle of the menstrual cycle or around the time of ovulation. The main reason for bleeding is due to selecting an unfavorable time for examination.
If the Pap smear is conducted carefully as described on these pages then highest sensitivity and specificity can be achieved with the Szalay Cyto-Spatula compared to other Pap smear collection devices (brush, X-Spatula, Cervex..).