The method of liquid cytology is a newer diagnostic test compared to the traditional cytological examination of scrapings from the cervix and allows you to standardize morphological examination and reduce the number of unsatisfactory samples. One of the factors determining the adequacy of the Pap test is the number of squamous epithelial cells in the sample. The abundance of blood elements, mucus, lubricant or inflammatory elements may affect the information content of the sample. In the practice of the ThinPrep Pap test, in the case of receiving an inadequate sample, a protocol for re-processing the contents of the vial is used in order to neutralize the possible influence of such impurities on the final result. This work contains an overview of the methods of application of the protocol of re-processing and their own experience of adapting the protocol in the practice of the clinical diagnostic laboratory.

The role of oncogenic strains of human papillomavirus in the development of cervical cancer is currently not in doubt. In cervical cancer screening, a co-testing strategy is used, in which cytology and HPV testing are performed. When performing a cytological examination by liquid-based cytology, it is possible to conduct additional diagnostic studies that can be used to more effectively sort patients in order to optimize the volume of diagnostic and therapeutic measures. The article highlights the possibilities of diagnostic tests based on the assessment of microRNA and mRNA expression, as well as tests based on the analysis of DNA methylation from the cytological material. The introduction of new molecular genetic predictors of the cervical cancer development into clinical practice can increase the effectiveness of currently used screening programs.