Quality Control of Sputum Cytology

Objective. The sputum cytology examination is useful to discover central type of early Squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: Within 10 years from 1993 to 2002, we examined 98.026 cases of sputum cytology to the residents in Tokyo area by YM method. The ratio of man and woman composition of the object in each year was 75% and 25%, respectively. The age composition of fewer than 50, fifties, and over 60 were 29.8%, 29.8% and 39.6%, respectively. Results. The result according to the diagnosis were as follows;[A] 2.64%, [B] 95.23%, [C] 1.97%, [D] 0.12% and [E] 0.04%. And the ratio of taking further examination in [D] and [E] was 62.2%. 40 cases of lung cancer were discovered [31 cases of Squamous cell carcinoma (11 cases were in the Ist stage), 7 cases of Adenocarcinoma, 1 case of Small cell carcinoma, 1 case of Large cell carcinoma], 100.000 ratio was 40.8, the average age was 66.0. From the inspection request to report include specimen making and management of reagent, we are working under our precision administration committee. We are searching with having an eye to the form of nucleus, dyeing and the N/C ratio. And we also study case conference to keep our standardization of diagnosis. More than [C] and questionable cases are double-checked by the cytotechnologists required more than 5 year experience. The follow-up survey is required. Conclusion: We examined mass screening by the sputum cytology to discover central type of early lung cancer. To keep the standardization of diagnosis, it is important to prepare the working environment and proper screening number, case conference and follow-up survey.