What is cervical DNA quantitative cytology test

When some patients in the hospital have TCT data showing ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of no definite diagnostic significance), some doctors will recommend a DNA quantitative cytology test, which is the test shown in the figure below. DNA index value? Cytoplasm? Ploid? Each word looks high-end and elegant, but what does it mean?

Cervical cell DNA ploidy qualitative analysis technology is a new method of finding tumor cells with "automation, standardization and intelligence". This technology mainly relies on DNA ploidy analysis to measure the DNA content or ploidy in the cytoplasm after the system has undergone special staining to distinguish the physiological state and pathological changes of somatic cells. Normal human germ cells have 23 pairs of sex chromosomes. Under the influence of carcinogens, genetic mutations may occur, resulting in changes in chromosome structure or number, and the appearance of DNA aneuploid germ cells. In addition, the characteristics of diseased cells that multiply endlessly cause a large amount of DNA to accumulate. By examining the relative composition of cell DNA or the number of cells in the reproductive stage, it is possible to determine whether there are abnormalities in the body's cells.

Simply put, if there is cervical cancer or precancerous lesions, the cervical somatic cells will have abnormal DNA ploidy, and the DNA quantitative analysis cytology examination can determine whether there is a possibility of lesions.

At present, hospitals generally combine TCT regular examination with DNA qualitative analysis, which can simultaneously improve the sensitivity and specificity of early diagnosis of cervical cancer and is more suitable for early diagnosis of cervical cancer. Especially when "atypical squamous cells of no established diagnostic significance", namely ASCUS, appear in TCT, DNA quantitative cytology can further distinguish the patient's disease severity and provide guidance for the next step of separation. Scientific research shows that in all cervical lesions, cells with abnormal DNA ploidy can be found. The higher the grade of the lesion, the greater the frequency of cells with abnormal DNA ploidy. When ASCUS diagnosed CINⅡ or above, 71.43% of them were found to have abnormal DNA ploidy in somatic cells. Therefore, if cytology confirms ASCUS and at the same time shows no or a small number of abnormal cells with DNA ploidy, the cervical lesions are unlikely to develop further, and such patients can have follow-up visits on a regular basis. However, if ASCUS shows no or a large number of abnormal cells with DNA ploidy, the possibility of developing cervical cancer is very high, and such patients need a pathological puncture biopsy for further diagnosis.

Finally, it should be pointed out that there are more and more cervical cancer screening technologies, and early prevention and detection methods for cervical cancer have been very mature. As long as adult women take care of their bodies and maintain regular care, cervical cancer is completely preventable.