Genetic screening with exfoliated cervicovaginal cells collected by a noninvasive lavage technique performed during routine gynecologic cancer screening

Article Abstract:

The diagnosis of genetic diseases has improved with new advances that allow human chromosomes to be cloned and sequenced. The exact location of the mutation within the gene is already known for many genetic diseases such as Tay Sachs and sickle cell anemia. Carriers of the disease are detected by analyzing the genetic material from blood cells. These techniques can identify women at risk for a producing a genetically abnormal fetus. Specific genes can be analyzed using the genetic material obtained from the patient's white blood cells. Since any cell can be used to obtain genetic material, a simple noninvasive painless technique that removes human cells is attractive. To see if cells normally exfoliated (sloughed off) in the vagina can be used as a source of genetic material, analysis of chromosome number 13 was performed using a standard Southern blot hybridization technique. The DNA obtained from these cells was adequate for gene analysis. It is suggested that exfoliated vaginal cells can be removed at the same time a routine Pap test is performed during routine gynecological checkup. In addition, the exfoliated cells can be used to detect the genetic material of human papillomaviruses, viruses associated with cervical cancer. As the locations of genetic mutations are discovered, it will become easier to identify carriers of genetic defects and therefore women at risk. If a women planning a pregnancy is found to be a carrier of a genetic mutation, the partner should be directed to similar genetic screening. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Methods, Diagnosis, Genetic screening, Genetic testing, Genetic disorders, Cytodiagnosis, Exfoliative cytology

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Patient satisfaction and the impact of written material about postpartum contraceptive decisions

Article Abstract:

Providing new mothers with written information about contraceptives may help them to avoid future unplanned pregnancies, according to a study of 109 women. This may be especially beneficial for women who received no prenatal care. About half of all pregnancies in the US are unplanned and half of these unplanned pregnancies end in abortion.

Education, Study and teaching, Mothers, Health education, Contraceptives

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Comparison of pain and time of procedures with two first-trimester abortion techniques performed by residents and faculty

Article Abstract:

Experienced surgeons can perform a surgical abortion faster than a medical residents, according to a study of 114 women. An electric vacuum curettage device is also faster than a manual vacuum aspirator.

Research, Residents (Medicine), Obstetrical extraction

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