The extended tip spatula for cervical cytology.

An important factor in assessing the adequacy of cervical cytologic preparation is the presence of endocervical cells in the Pap smear. A study in a university based family practice center compares the percentage of "adequate" smears obtained by using the standard Ayre spatula and cotton tipped applicator with the yield obtained while using a new extended tip cervical spatula. A significant increase in the percentage of slides with endocervical cells is found where extended tip spatulas are used for harvesting cervical and endocervical cells.