Method comparison between Munich Nomenclature III and II for Pap smear samples

Objective: Munich Nomenclature III for the Pap smear evaluation is to be launched in Germany in July 2014. Aim of the study was a method comparison between the current nomenclature Munich III and Munich II.

Methods: Method comparison was done analyzing n = 117 Pap smear samples in the cytological laboratory at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck from January until March 2014. They were evaluated twice, using both nomenclatures (group 1: Munich III; group 2: Munich II).

Results: For the general analysis, columns A-C remain unchanged. One out of 117 Pap smear samples (Pss) showed a loss of cellular material. According to Munich III this Pap smear should be linked to group 0. Concerning Pap I, group 1 showed 55/117 Pss (47%) and group 2 showed 0/117 Pss (0%), p < 0,001. Pap II results were seen less frequently in group 1 than in group 2 (47% vs. 94%, p < 0.001). Pap IVa, IVb and V stay similar in both groups [IVa: 1/117 Pss (0,85%); IVb: 0/117 Pss (0%); V: 1/117 Pss (0,85%)].

Conclusion: The former clusters have been extended by distinctly defined sub-groups, resulting in a more precise way to differentiate cytological findings. Distinguishing between Pap I and Pap II, Munich III separates patients at risk clearly from patients with no evidence of pathology. Due to the restrictive use of Pap II and the more precisely defined Pap III, sensitivity is improved.