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Normal cell content of cervical smears, contaminants and artifacts. Adequacy and unsatisfactory smears.

On completion of this section the cytotechnologist should know:

to be aware of the components of a normal cervical smear
to be able to recognise epithelial cells derived from the ectocervix, endocervix and endometrium
to be able to recognise vaginal flora, and common contaminants in cervical smears
to be familiar with basic smear patterns eg. in puberty pregnancy and menopausal state
to be able to evaluate the adequacy of a smear and to be able to identify unsatisfactory smears.