CT CT Gynecologic Cytology

Question 1

According to The Bethesda System, which category is used for Pap test results that cannot be clearly classified as normal or abnormal?

Accepted Answer

Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US)

Answer

ASC-US is the Bethesda category for atypical squamous cells that cannot be definitively classified and represent the most common abnormal Pap result.

Question 2

Which cellular feature is the hallmark of koilocytic atypia, indicating HPV cytopathic effect in cervical specimens?

Accepted Answer

Perinuclear cytoplasmic clearing (halo) with nuclear irregularity

Answer

Koilocytes are characterized by a perinuclear cytoplasmic halo combined with nuclear enlargement and membrane irregularity, which are pathognomonic of HPV infection.

Question 3

A ThinPrep Pap test from a 35-year-old woman shows cells with a high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, hyperchromatic nuclei, irregular nuclear membranes, and coarse chromatin. What is the most appropriate Bethesda diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

HSIL

Answer

HSIL is characterized by cells with high N:C ratios, hyperchromatic irregular nuclei, and coarse chromatin, reflecting CIN 2 or CIN 3 lesions.

Question 4

Which transformation zone component must be present for a cervical Pap test to be considered adequate for evaluation by The Bethesda System?

Accepted Answer

Endocervical or squamous metaplastic cells

Answer

The Bethesda System requires at least 10 well-preserved endocervical or squamous metaplastic cells to document sampling of the transformation zone.

Question 5

In postmenopausal women, the presence of which finding on a Pap test typically warrants clinical correlation due to potential endometrial pathology?

Accepted Answer

Exfoliated endometrial cells after day 12

Answer

Endometrial cells appearing in a postmenopausal woman's Pap test should prompt clinical investigation to exclude endometrial carcinoma or hyperplasia.

CT - Certified Cytotechnologist Practice Test

CT - Certified Cytotechnologist Practice Test

CT CT Gynecologic Cytology