The current state of digital cytology and artificial intelligence (AI): global survey results from the American Society of Cytopathology Digital Cytology Task Force.

INTRODUCTION: The integration of whole slide imaging (WSI) and artificial intelligence (AI) with digital cytology has been growing gradually. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the current state of digital cytology. This study aimed to determine the current landscape of digital cytology via a survey conducted as part of the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) Digital Cytology White Paper Task Force. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey with 43 questions pertaining to the current practices and experiences of WSI and AI in both surgical pathology and cytology was created. The survey was sent to members of the ASC, the International Academy of Cytology (IAC), and the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology (PSC). Responses were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 327 individuals participated in the survey, spanning a diverse array of practice settings, roles, and experiences around the globe. The majority of responses indicated there was routine scanning of surgical pathology slides (n = 134; 61%) with fewer respondents scanning cytology slides (n = 150; 46%). The primary challenge for surgical WSI is the need for faster scanning and cost minimization, whereas image quality is the top issue for cytology WSI. AI tools are not widely utilized, with only 16% of participants using AI for surgical pathology samples and 13% for cytology practice. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of digital pathology is limited in cytology laboratories as compared to surgical pathology. However, as more laboratories are willing to implement digital cytology in the near future, the establishment of practical clinical guidelines is needed.

American Society of Cytopathology Telecytology validation recommendations for rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE).

Telecytology has multiple applications, including rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens. It can enhance cytopathology practice by increasing productivity, reducing costs, and providing subspecialty expertise in areas with limited access to a cytopathologist. However, there are currently no specific validation guidelines to ensure safe practice and compliance with regulations. This initiative, promoted by the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC), intends to propose recommendations for telecytology implementation. These recommendations propose that the validation process should include testing of all hardware and software, both separately and as a whole; training of all individuals who will participate in telecytology with regular competency evaluations; a structured approach using retrospective slides with defined diagnoses for validation and prospective cases for verification and quality assurance. Telecytology processes must be integrated into the laboratory's quality management system and benchmarks for discrepancy rates between preliminary and final diagnoses should be established and monitored. Special attention should be paid to minimize discrepancies that downgrade malignant cases to benign (false positive on telecytology). Currently, billing and reimbursement codes for telecytology are not yet available. Once, they are, recommendation of the appropriate usage of these codes would be a part of the recommendations. These proposed guidelines are intended to be a resource for laboratories that are considering implementing telecytology. These recommendations can help to ensure the safe and effective use of telecytology and maximize its benefits for patients.

Editorial: Optimizing Schools of Cytology: Discussions from the 2022 ASC/IAC Cytology Education Symposium, North American Strategies, and European Symbiosis.

This report highlights information and outcomes from the November 2022 ASC/IAC joint Cytology Education Symposium, an annual conference organized by the Cytology Programs Review Committee. The manuscript provides information on shared educational opportunities and practices for cytology students and other learners in anatomic pathology, discusses recruitment strategies for schools of cytology, conveys teaching resources, introduces perspectives on virtual microscopy and online learning, and transmits information about wellness of students in schools of cytology.

Optimizing schools of cytology: Discussions from the 2022 ASC/IAC Cytology Education Symposium, North American Strategies, and European Symbiosis.

This report highlights information and outcomes from the November 2022 ASC/IAC joint Cytology Education Symposium, an annual conference organized by the Cytology Programs Review Committee. The manuscript provides information on shared educational opportunities and practices for cytology students and other learners in anatomic pathology, discusses recruitment strategies for schools of cytology, conveys teaching resources, introduces perspectives on virtual microscopy and online learning, and transmits information about wellness of students in schools of cytology.

Digital cytology part 1: digital cytology implementation for practice: a concept paper with review and recommendations from the American Society of Cytopathology Digital Cytology Task Force.

Digital cytology and artificial intelligence (AI) are gaining greater adoption in the cytopathology laboratory. However, peer-reviewed real-world data and literature are lacking regarding the current clinical landscape. The American Society of Cytopathology in conjunction with the International Academy of Cytology and the Digital Pathology Association established a special task force comprising 20 members with expertise and/or interest in digital cytology. The aim of the group was to investigate the feasibility of incorporating digital cytology, specifically cytology whole slide scanning and AI applications, into the workflow of the laboratory. In turn, the impact on cytopathologists, cytologists (cytotechnologists), and cytology departments were also assessed. The task force reviewed existing literature on digital cytology, conducted a worldwide survey, and held a virtual roundtable discussion on digital cytology and AI with multiple industry corporate representatives. This white paper, presented in 2 parts, summarizes the current state of digital cytology and AI practice in global cytology practice. Part 1 of the white paper presented herein is a review and offers best practice recommendations for incorporating digital cytology into practice. Part 2 of the white paper provides a comprehensive review of AI in cytology practice along with best practice recommendations and legal considerations. Additionally, the results of a global survey regarding digital cytology are highlighted.

Digital cytology part 2: artificial intelligence in cytology: a concept paper with review and recommendations from the American Society of Cytopathology Digital Cytology Task Force.

Digital cytology and artificial intelligence (AI) are gaining greater adoption in the cytology laboratory. However, peer-reviewed real-world data and literature are lacking in regard to the current clinical landscape. The American Society of Cytopathology in conjunction with the International Academy of Cytology and the Digital Pathology Association established a special task force comprising 20 members with expertise and/or interest in digital cytology. The aim of the group was to investigate the feasibility of incorporating digital cytology, specifically cytology whole slide scanning and AI applications, into the workflow of the laboratory. In turn, the impact on cytopathologists, cytologists (cytotechnologists), and cytology departments were also assessed. The task force reviewed existing literature on digital cytology, conducted a worldwide survey, and held a virtual roundtable discussion on digital cytology and AI with multiple industry corporate representatives. This white paper, presented in 2 parts, summarizes the current state of digital cytology and AI practice in global cytology practice. Part 1 of the white paper is presented as a separate paper which details a review and best practice recommendations for incorporating digital cytology into practice. Part 2 of the white paper presented here provides a comprehensive review of AI in cytology practice along with best practice recommendations and legal considerations. Additionally, the cytology global survey results highlighting current AI practices by various laboratories, as well as current attitudes, are reported.

Optimal fluid volume for detecting malignancy in serous effusions: a single institution experience.

INTRODUCTION: Detection of malignant cells in serous fluids is an indicator of advanced stage of malignancy and is critical in clinical management decisions and prompt treatment initiation. The minimum volume which is ideal for detecting malignancy in serous fluid is not well established. In this study, we aim to identify optimal volume that will be ideal for adequate cytopathological diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1597 samples of serous fluids from 1134 patients were included in the study. Samples were diagnosed based on International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology (ISRSFC). Clinicopathologic results from different diagnostic groups were compared and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Pleural fluids comprised 890 (55.7%) specimens, followed by 456 (28.6%) peritoneal, 128 (8%) ascites, and 123 (7.7%) pericardial fluid specimens. The majority were negative for malignancy (1138, 71.3%), followed by malignant (376, 23.5%), atypical (59, 3.7%), and suspicious for malignancy (24, 1.5%). Malignancy was identified in sample with volumes from 5 mL to 5000 mL. Rate of detection of malignant cells increased significantly with higher sample volumes. For malignancy detection the optimal volume for overall serous fluid is 70 mL. Pericardial fluid is an exception, with lower mean volume and significantly lower proportion of cases with malignant diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that higher fluid volumes have a higher rate of malignancy detection and a low false-negative rate. We recommend a minimum of 70 mL of serous fluid for optimal cytopathologic examination and malignancy detection. Pericardial fluid is an exception, with lower mean volume and thus lower requirement.

One procedure-one report: the Re-Imagine Cytopathology Task Force position paper on small tissue biopsy triage in anatomic pathology.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic biopsy procedures increasingly generate multiple tissue samples from multiple sites, and frequently retrieve concurrent cytologic specimens and small core needle biopsies. There is currently lack of consensus in subspecialized practices as to whether cytopathologists or surgical pathologists should review such samples, and whether the pathology findings should be reported together or separately. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In December 2021, the American Society of Cytopathology convened the Re-Imagine Cytopathology Task Force to examine various workflows that would facilitate unified pathology reporting of concurrently obtained biopsies and improve clinical care. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This position paper summarizes the key points and highlights the advantages, challenges, and resources available to support the implementation of such workflows that result in "one procedure-one report".

Evaluating the role of Z-stack to improve the morphologic evaluation of urine cytology whole slide images for high-grade urothelial carcinoma: Results and review of a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Whole slide imaging (WSI) adoption has been slower in cytopathology due, in part, to challenges in multifocal plane scanning on 3-dimensional cell clusters. ThinPrep and other liquid-based preparations may alleviate the issue by reducing clusters in a concentrated area. This study investigates the use of Z-stacked images for diagnostic assessment and the experience of evaluating urine ThinPrep WSI. METHODS: Thirty ThinPrep urine cases of high-grade urothelial carcinoma (n = 22) and cases of negative for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (n = 8) were included. Slides were scanned at 40× magnification without Z-stack and with Z-stack at 3 layers, 1 µm each. Six cytopathologists and 1 cytotechnologist evaluated the cases in 2 rounds with a 2-week wash-out period in a blinded manner. A Cohen's Kappa (CK) calculated concordance rates. A survey after each round evaluated participant experience. RESULTS: CK with the original report ranged from 0.606 to 1.0 (P < .05) without Z-stack and 0.533 to 1.0 (P < .05) with Z-stack both indicating substantial-to-perfect concordance. For both rounds, interobserver CK was moderate-to-perfect (0.417-1.0, P < .05). Intraobserver CK was 0.697-1.0 (P < 0.05), indicating substantial to perfect concordance. The average scan time and file size for slides without Z-stack and with Z-stack are 6.27 minute/0.827 GB and 14.06 minute/2.650 GB, respectively. Surveys demonstrated a range in comfort and use with slightly more favorable opinions for Z-stacked cases. CONCLUSIONS: Z-stack images provide minimal diagnostic benefit for urine ThinPrep WSI. In addition, Z-stacked urine WSI does not justify the prolonged scan times and larger storage needs compared to those without Z-stack.

Combining molecular testing and the Bethesda category III:VI ratio for thyroid fine-needle aspirates: A quality-assurance metric for evaluating diagnostic performance in a cytopathology laboratory.

BACKGROUND: Molecular testing (MT) of thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA)-derived genetic material is commonly used to assess malignancy risk for indeterminate cases. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBS) provides limited guidance for the appropriate use of category III (atypia of undetermined significance [AUS]). The authors combined MT with cytomorphology to monitor AUS diagnoses in a cytopathology laboratory. METHODS: Neoplasia-associated genetic alterations (NGAs) were determined by MT of preoperative FNA biopsies or resected malignancies and were categorized as BRAF V600E mutations, RAS-like mutations (HRAS, NRAS, or KRAS mutations or non-V600E BRAF mutations), or other mutations. RESULTS: Among 7382 thyroid FNA biopsies, the AUS rate was 9.3% overall and ranged from 4.3% to 24.2% among 6 cytopathologists (CPs) who evaluated >150 cases. The ratio of specimens falling into TBS category III to specimens falling into category VI (malignant) (the III:VI ratio) was 2.4 overall (range, 1.1-8.1), and the ratio of specimens falling into TBS categories III and IV (follicular neoplasm or suspicious for follicular neoplasm) combined (III+IV) to specimens falling into category VI (the [III+IV]:VI ratio) was 2.9 overall (range, 1.4-9.5). MT was performed on 588 cases from 560 patients (79% women) with a median age of 56 years (range, 8-89 years). BRAF V600E mutation was the most common (76% of cases) in TBS category VI and was rare (3%) in category III. RAS-like mutations were most common in TBS categories III (13%), IV (25%), and V (suspicious for malignancy) (17.5%). The NGA rate in AUS cases fell between 5% and 20% for 5 of 6 CPs and did not correlate with the III:VI ratio or the (III+IV):VI ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of correlation between the NGA rate and easily calculable diagnostic ratios enables the calibration of diagnostic thresholds, even for CPs who have normal metrics. Specifically, calculation of the NGA rate and the III:VI ratio may allow individual CPs to determine whether they are overcalling or undercalling cases that other CPs might otherwise recategorize.

Next-Generation Sequencing of Cell-Free DNA Extracted From Pleural Effusion Supernatant: Applications and Challenges.

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extracted from diverse specimen types has emerged as a high quality substrate for molecular tumor profiling. Analytical and pre-analytical challenges in the utilization of cfDNA extracted from pleural effusion supernatant (PES) are herein characterized in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Pleural effusion specimens containing metastatic NSCLC were collected prospectively. After ThinPrep® (TP) and cell block (CB) preparation, DNA was extracted from residual PES and analyzed by gel electrophoresis for quality and quantity. Libraries were prepared and sequenced with a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform and panel clinically validated for plasma specimens. Results were compared with DNA extracted from corresponding FFPE samples that were sequenced using institutional targeted NGS assays clinically validated for solid tumor FFPE samples. Tumor (TC) and overall cellularity (OC) were evaluated. Fourteen specimens were collected from 13 patients. Median specimen volume was 180 mL (range, 35-1,400 mL). Median TC and OC on TP slides and CB sections were comparable. Median extracted DNA concentration was 7.4 ng/µL (range, 0.1-58.0 ng/µL), with >5 ng/µL DNA extracted from 10/14 specimens (71%). Mutations were identified in 10/14 specimens, including 1/3 specimens with median molecular coverage <1,000 reads. The minimal detected allelic fraction was 0.6%. NGS was falsely negative for the presence of one driver mutation. No correlation was identified between sample volume or OC, quality or quantity of extracted DNA, or mutation detection. Despite analytical and pre-analytical challenges, PES represents a robust source of DNA for NGS.

Incorporating cytologic adequacy assessment into precision oncology workflow using telepathology: An institutional experience.

BACKGROUND: Tumor sample quality and quantity determine the success of somatic mutation analysis. Thus, a rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) tumor cytology adequacy assessment was incorporated into the workflow of precision oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Optimal samples were obtained from 68 patients with metastatic cancer. METHODS: Cytopathologists performed ROSE on fine-needle aspirate samples via telepathology, and subsequently core-needle biopsies were obtained. In a retrospective manner, the concordance between adequacy assessment and the success rate of the procedure was evaluated to obtain sufficient tumor tissue for next-generation sequencing (NGS). RESULTS: Out of the 68 procedures, 43 were documented as adequate and 25 were documented as inadequate. The diagnostic yield of adequate procedures was 100%. Adequacy evaluation predicted the success rate of molecular profiling in 40 of 43 procedures (93%; 95% CI, 80.9-98.5 procedures). The success rate of molecular testing was significantly higher in the adequate group: 93% compared with 32% in the inadequate group (P < .0005). Seven procedures that failed to provide quality material for mutational analysis and pathological diagnosis were evaluated as inadequate. Cell block provided sufficient DNA for NGS in 6 cases. In 2 cases, a core biopsy could not be performed; hence, the fine-needle aspirate material confirmed the diagnosis and was used for NGS testing. CONCLUSION: These results support the incorporation of ROSE into the workflow of precision oncology to obtain high-quality tissue samples from metastatic lesions. In addition, NGS testing of concurrent cytology specimens with adequate cellularity can be a surrogate for NGS testing of biopsy specimens.

Underrecognized Patterns of High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion on ThinPrep Preparations.

OBJECTIVES: To identify less readily identifiable patterns of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in negative human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive Papanicolaou (Pap) tests on ThinPrep preparations. METHODS: Of all HPV-positive Pap tests that were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) from July 2013 to June 2018, those with HSIL on subsequent histology within 6 months were identified. ThinPrep slides from the latter group (group 1) and from NILM HPV-negative Pap tests with negative follow-up (group 2) were reviewed independently by 4 participants. Group 1 cases were then reviewed together for consensus and with the ThinPrep Imaging System (TIS). Any discrepancies from the original interpretation were recorded. RESULTS: The study cohort included 57 cases each in groups 1 and 2. On final review of group 1 cases, 17 (29.8%) were classified as NILM or unsatisfactory. Of the remaining, 4 cases revealed rare abnormal cells not flagged by the TIS in the fields of view. In the 36 cases (63.1%) with screening or interpretative errors, the key cytologic findings accounting for major discrepancies included atypical metaplastic cells, atypical repair, rare syncytial groups, and atypical immature metaplastic cells. CONCLUSIONS: There are 3 main underrecognized patterns of HSIL in cervical cytology: atypical metaplastic cells, atypical repair, and rare syncytial groups.

Standardizing a volume benchmark for cerebrospinal fluids for optimal diagnostic accuracy.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) cytomorphologic analysis remains the gold standard in the evaluation of malignant leptomeningeal involvement. However, collection of optimal volumes for adequate cytomorphologic evaluation is not standardized. Our study investigated optimal CSF volumes that result in a significant diagnostic result. METHODS: A total of 4114 samples were retrospectively identified from 2014 to 2018, and 2557 samples had concurrent flow cytometry (FC) study. Each specimen was grouped as unsatisfactory, negative, atypical, or positive. Positive samples were grouped as either solid tumors, leukemia, or lymphoma by the type of malignancy detected. Demographic data as well as CSF source was recorded. Specimens with FC were separated by detection on cytology and/or FC. A t-test and ANOVA test were used to compare the average volumes for each group. RESULTS: Average volumes for negative, atypical, and positive samples are 7.48 mL (95% CI: 7.33, 7.63), 7.97 mL (95% CI: 7.37, 8.57), and 8.44 mL (95% CI: 7.46, 9.43), respectively. Average volumes for solid tumors, leukemia, and lymphoma positive samples are 12.0 mL (95% CI: 9.11, 14.89), 6.73 mL (95% CI: 5.94, 7.53), and 8.44 mL (95% CI: 6.78, 10.09). For cases with FC, the volumes are 10.11 mL (95% CI: 9.28, 10.96), 7.28 mL (95% CI: 6.87, 7.70), and 6.86 mL (95% CI: 6.25, 7.49) for positive cytology only, positive cytology/FC, and negative for both, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that higher volumes produce better results for analysis. We recommend an optimal volume of 8.44 mL for cytologic work-up of malignancies. However, optimal volumes may differ based upon malignancy type and utilization of flow cytometry.

Next-generation sequencing of residual cytologic fixative preserved DNA from pancreatic lesions: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a sensitive and specific tool in the risk stratification of pancreatic lesions, including cysts. The sensitivity and specificity of EUS-FNA has been shown to improve when cytology is combined with next-generation sequencing (NGS). Ideally, fresh cyst fluid is used for NGS. In this pilot study, we explore the possibility of sequencing DNA derived from residual alcohol-fixed pancreatic aspirates. METHODS: Residual cytologic fixatives (n = 42) from 39 patients who underwent EUS-FNA for pancreatic lesions were collected along with demographics, imaging, and laboratory studies. Samples were designated as nonneoplastic/nonmucinous benign (NB), mucinous cyst (MC), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), or well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET) on the basis of cytopathologic evaluation and sequenced on the Oncomine platform (ThermoFisher Scientific, Waltham, Massachusetts). RESULTS: Ten of 14 (71.4%) MCs exhibited clinically significant variants, including KRAS, GNAS, and TP53. Ten of 15 (66.7%) PDACs had KRAS alterations, and 9 of 15 (60%) showed variants in TP53. No variants were detected in any NETs. Only 1 of 9 (11.1%) NB aspirates showed variants in KRAS and MAP2K. Sequencing of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue revealed variants identical to those detected in fixative-derived DNA in 4 of 5 cases (80%). CONCLUSION: Residual DNA from alcohol-fixed aspirates are an underutilized source for NGS. Sequencing residual fixative-derived DNA has the potential to be integrated into the workup of pancreatic aspirates, possibly impacting management.

Effects of Implementing the Dual Papanicolaou Test Interpretation of ASC-H and LSIL Following Bethesda 2014.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of implementing the dual interpretation of atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) after the Bethesda System 2014 and to compare it with other indeterminate interpretations. METHODS: Rates of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity and histologic follow-up and the proportion of women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion on histologic follow-up were compared for the combined interpretation of ASC-H and LSIL (ASCHL) and the categories of LSIL, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL-H) and ASC-H. RESULTS: The percentage of ASCHL HPV-positive cases (86.0%) was similar to that of LSIL-H but significantly higher in comparison to that of ASC-H. The rates of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher (CIN 2+) and CIN 3+ for ASCHL (29.6% and 3.6%, respectively) were similar to those of LSIL-H and ASC-H. When stratified by HPV test results, the proportions of patients with CIN 2+ and CIN 3+ remained statistically similar to those with ASCHL and with LSIL-H and ASC-H. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the similar risks of CIN 2+ and CIN 3+ for ASCHL and ASC-H, having a separate category of ASCHL for reporting cervical cytology appears to be redundant.

Preanalytic variables in quality and quantity of nucleic acids extracted from FNA specimens of thyroid gland nodules collected in CytoLyt: Cellularity and storage time.

BACKGROUND: Morphologic and genetic analysis of thyroid nodules may be performed from a single vial. Preanalytic variables that affect nucleic acid extracted from a single vial are evaluated. METHODS: Thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens collected in CytoLyt were evaluated. A ThinPrep slide was prepared. Extracted nucleic acids were analyzed using Oncomine Comprehensive Panel, version 2, after Ion AmpliSeq library preparation. A pathologist and a cytotechnologist enumerated specimen cellularity. RESULTS: Fifty-six samples were collected from 55 nodules in 53 patients. Bethesda category correlated with cellularity (P = .01), and storage time (median, 43 days; range, 7-77 days) was longer for specimens in categories II and III than for those in categories IV and VI (P = .01). The mean specimen DNA concentration was 4.5 ng/µL (range, 0-23.8 ng/µL), and 25 (45%) had concentrations >3.3 ng/µL. The mean specimen RNA concentration was 4.8 ng/µL (range, 0-42.4 ng/µL), and 31 (55%) had concentrations >1.4 ng/µL. Nucleic acid quantity increased with epithelial cellularity. Storage time weakly correlated with the quantity of extracted DNA, independent of cellularity, but not extracted RNA. Greater proportions of cell-free DNA and lesser proportions of long, intact RNA fragments were extracted from a subset of samples with longer storage time. Among 15 single nucleotide variants, the median mutant allelic fraction was 15.1%. One false-negative result was identified. Five specimens subsequently determined to harbor a genetic alteration failed quality metrics. CONCLUSIONS: Cellularity and storage time affect the quantity and quality of nucleic acid extracted from thyroid FNA specimens collected in CytoLyt. Further investigation will serve to quantify the magnitude of such effects and to elucidate other contributing factors.

Importance of anal cytology and screening for anal dysplasia in individuals living with HIV with an emphasis on women.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal has been increasing in high-risk populations. To the authors' knowledge, there is no international consensus regarding screening for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal, but screening is commonly comprised of a Papanicolaou (Pap) test in combination with digital anorectal examination followed by high-resolution anoscopy if necessary. The current study focused on individuals living with HIV and particularly on women living with HIV. METHODS: In this 5-year retrospective study, the authors identified 5982 Pap tests, 1848 of which had follow-up biopsy within 6 months. The rate of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance was 42%, and approximately 38.1% of cases with this interpretation were diagnosed as high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions on follow-up biopsy. In addition, 82 women with anal cytology had long-term follow-up (>10 years) available. RESULTS: The authors investigated a relationship between cervicovaginal human papillomavirus (HPV) results, cervical pathology, CD4 T-cell count, and CD4/8 ratio with the anal cytology interpretation. A statistical correlation was noted between the CD4 count and the CD4/8 ratio and the presence of anal dysplasia. Nearly one-half of the women without cervicovaginal HPV positivity presented with anal dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study demonstrated that, among women living with HIV, screening for anal dysplasia should not be eschewed, regardless of lower genital tract pathology and/or HPV status. To the authors' knowledge, the current study is the largest reported retrospective anal cytology cohort in individuals living with HIV.

HPV test result monitoring of different Bethesda categories in gynaecologic cytology: A valuable quality assurance measure.

BACKGROUND: High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) test ordering has evolved since the 2006 ASCCP guidelines. In light of the availability of the HPV test results for most women ≥30 y, regardless of the Pap test diagnosis; we examined their value in assessing the overall performance of cytopathologists (CPs). METHODS: Data were derived for six CPs for Pap test interpretations over 4 y. HPV positivity rates for atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) and for patients ≥30 y for negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) and squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) (inclusive of low grade SIL (LSIL), high grade SIL (HSIL), and carcinoma) categories were retrieved for individual CPs. ASC/SIL ratios were analysed overall and separately for patient groups <30 y and ≥30 y. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to assess correlation between HPV positivity rates for ASC-US, NILM and SIL, and ASC/SIL ratios. RESULTS: The overall ASC-US HPV positivity rate was 41%-49% for patients <30 y, 32% for patients ≥30 y. Stratifying by patient age group, ASC-US HPV positivity rate, and ASC/SIL ratio showed a negative correlation. Excluding an outlier, the NILM HPV positivity rate and ASC/SIL ratio showed a strong negative correlation. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that ASC-US HPV positivity rate is dependent on the age of the population that is tested. Monitoring of the HPV positivity rates for NILM and SIL categories can serve as an additional objective measure to assess the performance of CPs. Based on the patient population, the laboratory can establish an initial baseline for these rates and use it to adjust interpretive thresholds in ensuring the diagnostic sensitivity of the test and the quality of the interpretation.