Since the introduction of cervical cancer screening, there has been a reduction in both incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. With several studies claiming a higher accuracy of liquid based cytology (LBC), this new technology virtually replaced conventional pap (CP) smear in developing countries. In this review study, most articles comparing CP with LBC were found to have flaws in study design. In two large studies that fulfill the quality criteria laid down by QUADAS, no significant difference between the two methods was found.Also, CP may have a lower specimen adequacy only if clinicians ignore basic rules of sampling, like removing mucus and cellular debris from the cervical surface and using an adequate collection device. For routine cervical cancer screening purposes, putting emphasis on regular cervical cancer screening by CP seems to be a more reasonable option than substituting CP by the LBC technique. This study concludes that there is no conclusive evidence regarding the better accuracy of LBC. More randomised controlled studies are needed.

Keywords: Liquid; Cytology; Cervical; Review