P16(INK4a) immunocytochemistry in liquid-based cytology samples in equivocal Pap smears: added value in management of women with equivocal Pap smear.

Objective: To test whether p1l6(INK4a) immunocytochemistry (ICC) in liquid-based cytology (LBC) is useful with colposcopy in abnormal Pap smears.

Study Design: A series of 248 women with abnormal Pap smear were analyzed for oncogenic (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) types using the Hybrid Capture II assay and for p16(INK4a) expression using ICC on cervical samples in PreservCyt liquid media. Colposcopic and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) cone biopsy were the gold standard.