Liquid Based Cytology (LBC)

Overview

Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) is a method of preparing cells collected from the cervix (via a cervical swab) into a thin, uniform layer on a slide for microscopic examination. The test evaluates cellular changes that may indicate infection, inflammation, precancerous lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, CIN) or invasive cervical cancer. It is used both for routine cervical cancer screening and for investigation of symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, postcoital bleeding, persistent abnormal discharge, or pelvic pain. Results and screening recommendations vary by age: routine screening begins in young adult women and continues through middle age, with screening intervals and reflex HPV testing guided by age and prior results.

Test Preparation

• For the USG Whole Abdomen test: A
• Overnight fasting (8-12 hours) is required
• Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test
• B
• Drink plenty of water before the USG procedure to ensure a full bladder
• For TMT (Treadmill test): A
• Inform your doctor and technician if you may be pregnant before the test
• B
• Inform the technician about any pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and all medications you take before the test
• C
• Avoid heavy meals for at least 2 to 4 hours and caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) and nicotine (cigarettes) for several hours before the test
• D
• Drink water to stay hydrated, but don't overhydrate right before the test
• For Echocardiography (Echo): A
• Remove any metal objects that may interfere with the electrodes
• If you have a pacemaker or other implanted cardiac devices, inform the technician
• B
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your chest area, and avoid using oils, lotions, or creams on your chest area on the test day
• C
• Avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) before the test
• For ECG: A
• Remove any metal objects that may interfere with the electrodes
• If you have a pacemaker or other implanted cardiac devices, inform the technician
• B
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your chest area, and avoid using oils, lotions, or creams on your chest area on the test day
• C
• Avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks) before the test
• For X-ray: A
• Depending on the area to be imaged, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown at the time of the scan
• B
• You may have to remove your jewelry and any metal objects that might interfere with the image
• C
• Pregnant women should inform their doctor (and x-ray technician) as the radiation may affect the fetus
• If needed, precautions can be taken to lower the radiation exposure to the fetus
• For PFT: A
• Take your daily medications before your test unless your doctor tells you not to
• B
• If you use a short-acting inhaler, try not to use it for 6 to 8 hours before the test
• If you have to use it, let your doctor know before the test
• C
• Avoid smoking for at least 6 hours before the test
• D
• Don’t drink alcohol at least 4 hours before the test
• E
• Don’t eat a large meal at least 2 hours before the test
• F
• Don’t exercise for at least 30 minutes before the test
• G
• It is advised to wear loose clothing that does not squeeze the chest or interfere with breathing
• For PAP smear: Refrain from sexual activity for 2 to 5 days before the sample collection

Why Do I Need This Test

• Profile: Cancer screening (cervical cancer screening).
• Symptoms: Abnormal vaginal or postcoital bleeding, persistent unusual discharge, pelvic pain — or routine asymptomatic screening.
• Diagnoses/monitoring: Detects precancerous cervical changes (CIN), cervical cancer, and some infections/inflammation.
• Reasons for abnormal results: HPV infection, inflammation, atrophy, sampling issues, glandular lesions, or malignancy.
• Biological meaning: Abnormal cytology reflects cellular atypia ranging from reactive changes to high-grade dysplasia or cancer.
• Lifestyle/family: Smoking, immunosuppression, early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, and family or personal history of cervical cancer increase need for testing.

Understanding Test Results

• NILM (normal): No cellular atypia detected routine screening interval as per guideline.
• ASC-US (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance): low-grade/uncertain change reflex HPV testing or repeat cytology recommended; often transient HPV or inflammation.
• LSIL (low‑grade squamous intraepithelial lesion): consistent with HPV effect/CIN1 usually monitored or treated depending on age and HPV status.
• ASC-H/HSIL (high‑grade squamous intraepithelial lesion): suggests CIN2/3 with higher cancer risk warrants prompt colposcopy and biopsy.
• AGC (atypical glandular cells): may indicate endocervical or endometrial pathology needs urgent further evaluation.
• Unsatisfactory specimen: inadequate cellularity repeat sample.
• Positive high‑risk HPV with abnormal cytology raises immediate concern for high‑grade disease and guides expedited diagnostic procedures.

FAQs