Which tool collects both squamous and columnar cells in a single specimen?

• A. The Vaginal Swab
• B. The Cytology Brush
• C. The Cervical Broom
• D. Endocervical Brush

Answer: (C)

Collecting both squamous and columnar cells in one specimen is achieved by a device designed to sample from both the ectocervix and the endocervical canal in a single pass. The cervical broom does this by sweeping across the transformation zone, pulling in cells from both surfaces so the specimen contains mixed squamous and columnar cells. This is important because abnormalities can arise at the squamocolumnar junction, and having both cell types in one sample improves adequacy and detection.

Other tools tend to target one area: a vaginal swab mainly collects vaginal squamous cells, a cytology brush focuses on endocervical cells, and an endocervical brush collects endocervical canal cells. None of these in a single pass combine both cell populations like the cervical broom does.