This UCLA study demonstrated that abnormal anal cytology was highly predictive of anal cell abnormalities that were subsequently confirmed by anal biopsy. The study was based on data from 244 patients at the UCLA CARE clinic who had anal cytology screenings between February 2002 and December 2004.
IMPACT: Abnormal anal cytology in HIV-positive men who have sex with men is highly indicative of the presence of abnormal anal cells that may be precancerous and should prompt further investigation. The UCLA CARE Center is one of a handful of clinics in the United States offering an anal dysplasia screening and management service.-University of California - Los Angeles