Normal endometrial cells in liquid-based cervical cytology specimens in women aged 40 or older.

Objective: The 2001 Bethesda System consensus statement directs the reporting of endometrial cells on cervical cytologic preparations in women aged 40 years or older. Our objective was to assess the significance of endometrial cells on cervical liquid-based cytology (LBC) specimens in this population.

Methods: The population included women aged 40 years or older in whom endometrial cells were identified in otherwise normal LBC specimens from December 2001 through June 2005, and who subsequently underwent endometrial sampling within a 12-month period.