Vinegar swab reveals cervical problems

A vinegar swab and visual inspection of the cervix for abnormal cell growth may serve as a useful, inexpensive test for precancerous tissue.

References:

University of Zimbabwe/JHPIEGO Cervical Cancer Project. 1999. Visual inspection with acetic acid for cervical-cancer screening: Test qualities in a primary-care setting. Lancet 353(March 13):869.

Further Readings:

Machoki, J.M.N., and K.O. Rogo. 1990. Knowledge and attitudinal study of Kenyan women in relation to cervical carcinoma. International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 34:55.

Megevand, E., et al. 1996. Acetic acid visualization of the cervix: An alternative to cytologic screening. Obstetrics and Gynecology 88:383.

Sources:

Lynne Gaffikin
Johns Hopkins University
222 Goodale Road
Baltimore, MD 21212

From Science News, Vol. 155, No. 14, April 3, 1999, p. 219. Copyright © 1999, Science Service.

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