Comparison of standard and loupe colposcopy (part I)

Our objective was to determine whether colposcopy can be performed with surgical-type loupes. Sixty-one patients with abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test reports were examined with 6× loupes supplied by Designs For Vision, Inc. (Ronkonkoma, NY) and with a standard Zeiss Colposcope (Model OM-1). Comparisons between the two instruments were made for colposcopic impression and final histological analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by using the Kappa test. Comparison of the two methods of examination demonstrated excellent agreement (κ = .86) with Pap smear and biopsy results. We decided that surgical loupes are adequate for colposcopic examination.