Is the ThinPrep better than conventional Pap smear at detecting cervical cancer?

Abstract

Conclusions regarding the ThinPrep are difficult to make due to the complexity of cervical cancer screening and the lack of adequate outcomebased data. However, current evidence supports the following: the ThinPrep is more sensitive than the conventional Papanicolaou (Pap) smear at detecting cervical cancer (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A-, based on 1 large validating cohort study with a good reference standard and 1 systematic review). There is insufficient evidence to recommend 1 preparation over the other (SOR: B-, based on several systematic reviews that include studies with poor reference standards).