Blinded review of papanicolaou smears

Abstract

The author reported that cytotechnologists and pathologists should not be held accountable for the local outcome consequences of global process shortcomings. Even if all identifiable process control factors were addressed and implemented, errors still would occur. False-negative Papanicolaou smears arise from the nature of the process, not the negligence of the practitioner. Respected cancer advocacy organizations should educate the public regarding the limitations of Papanicolaou test performance. © 2005 American Cancer Society.