Proffered Papers 10.30–11.15 Monday 15 September 2003

Introduction  Colposcopy Quality Standards state that more than 85% of excisional biopsies should show CIN 1 or worse. Data from the National KC65 reports show a large difference between units (50% to 100%). This study investigates the reasons for failure to meet the standard.
Methods  A review of 1158 consecutive new and 1043 follow-up colposcopy examinations from a colposcopy database in East Somerset. Patients were treated at the time of initial examination if there was a clinically significant lesion, or at follow-up depending on the results of investigations.
Results  Only 59% of excisional biopsies showed CIN 1 or worse. The possible reasons for failure to meet the standard were explored. Possible explanations explored are erroneous colposcopy, false negative histology, and false positive cytology. The cytology–histology correlation was compared between excisional and directed biopsies, and between the two local cytology screening departments.
Conclusions  The collection of meaningful national data has more to do with careful definition than clinical practice or data collection.