Quality Indicators of Cervical Cytopathology Tests in the Public Service in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study is to assess the performance of cytopathology laboratories providing services to the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS) in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Methods This descriptive study uses data obtained from the Cervical Cancer Information System from January to December 2012. Three quality indicators were analyzed to assess the quality of cervical cytopathology tests: positivity index, percentage of atypical squamous cells (ASCs) in abnormal tests, and percentage of tests compatible with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). Laboratories were classified according to their production scale in tests per year ≤ 5,000; from 5,001 to 10,000; from 10,001 to 15,000; and ≥ 15,001. Based on the collection of variables and the classification of laboratories according to production scale, we created and analyzed a database using Microsoft Office Excel 97–2003.

Results In the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, 146 laboratories provided services to the SUS in 2012 by performing a total of 1,277,018 cervical cytopathology tests. Half of these laboratories had production scales ≤ 5,000 tests/year and accounted for 13.1% of all tests performed in the entire state; in turn, 13.7% of these laboratories presented production scales of > 15,001 tests/year and accounted for 49.2% of the total of tests performed in the entire state. The positivity indexes of most laboratories providing services to the SUS in 2012, regardless of production scale, were below or well below recommended limits. Of the 20 laboratories that performed more than 15,001 tests per year, only three presented percentages of tests compatible with HSILs above the lower limit recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

Conclusion The majority of laboratories providing services to the SUS in Minas Gerais presented quality indicators outside the range recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

Resumo

Objetivo Avaliar o desempenho dos laboratórios de citopatologia prestadores de serviço para o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

Métodos estudo descritivo com base nos dados obtidos do Sistema de Informação do Câncer do Colo do Útero no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2012. Para avaliação da qualidade dos exames citopatológicos do colo do útero, foram analisados três indicadores de qualidade: índice de positividade, percentual de ASC (células escamosas atípicas) entre os exames alterados e percentual de exames compatíveis com HSIL (Lesão intraepitelial escamosa de alto grau). Os laboratórios foram classificados conforme escala de produção em: ≤ 5.000; entre 5.001 e 10.000; entre 10.001 e 15.000 e ≥ 15.001. Após a coleta das variáveis e classificação dos laboratórios conforme escala de produção foi elaborado um banco de dados, o qual foi analisado por meio do programa Microsoft Office Excel 97-2003.

Resultados Em 2012, no estado de Minas Gerais, 146 laboratórios prestaram serviço para o SUS realizando um total de 1.277.018 exames citopatológicos do colo do útero. Metade desses laboratórios apresentou escala de produção ≤ 5.000 exames/ano, e efetuaram 13,1% do total de exames do estado, por outro lado 13,7% dos laboratórios apresentaram escala de produção > 15.001 exames/ano e efetuaram 49,2% do total de exames do estado. O índice de positividade apresentado pela maioria dos laboratórios que prestaram serviço para o SUS no ano de 2012, independente de sua escala de produção, foi abaixo ou muito abaixo do recomendado. Dentre os 20 laboratórios que efetuaram mais de 15.001 exames por ano, somente três apresentaram o percentual de exames compatíveis com HSIL acima do recomendado pelo Ministério da Saúde.

Conclusão A maioria dos laboratórios prestadores de serviço para o SUS no estado de Minas Gerais apresentou indicadores de qualidade fora dos parâmetros recomendados pelo Ministério da Saúde.

Keywords

quality control - Pap smear - cervical cancer - screening programs - continuous education

Palavras-chave

controle de qualidade - exame Papanicolau - câncer de colo do útero - programas de rastreamento - educação continuada

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