Endometrial sampling and general practice.

Endometrial sampling is an 'office' technique that has gained widespread acceptance in the United States (US). It is as accurate as dilatation and curettage (D&C) in the diagnosis of endometrial atypia and carcinoma. It appears to be the most suitable method of endometrial assessment for general practice. It has the potential for the earlier detection of endometrial abnormality and for increasing the number of women with abnormal vaginal bleeding who can be wholly managed within primary care. However, research is lacking on the effect of the widespread introduction of the technique into general practice. This paper puts forward recommendations for the use of endometrial sampling by general practitioners (GPs) based on current evidence.