Effects of gel lubricant on cervical cytology

Objective To determine whether the use of lubricating gel during vaginal speculum examination affected cytologic interpretation in the conventional Pap smear. Study Design Two consecutive cervical ■ smears were obtained from 1,334 patients undergoing Pap smear screening. The first smear (uncontaminated) was obtained using the routine collection technique. The second smear (gel-contaminated) was taken after applying a 1- to 1.5-cm ribbon of lubricating gel onto the external cervical ■ os. Adequacy of Pap smear and discordance in diagnosis between the paired smears were examined. Results The proportion of unsatisfactory smears was significantly higher in the gel-contaminated smears, 12.1% vs. 1.7% (p