Main Findings
In this study, we found no statistical difference between the satisfaction rate of H-E and Papanicolaou stain, both of which could be used for endometrial cells (45-47). Considering the dyeing degree of satisfaction, accuracy, predictive value and cost performance, H-E stain might be a better method than Papanicolaou stain in endometrial cytology. In the case of a small sample volume of endometrial cells, Papanicolaou stain is preferred since the cell morphology observed was superior to H-E stain.
Our study was the first comparison between H-E and Papanicolaou stain in endometrial cells. By selecting appropriate method according to different conditions in clinical practice, the diagnostic pressure and burden of pathologists is relieved. The total cost of endometrial cancer screening will be reduced. In addition, the early detection and treatment of endometrial lesions will have a great improvement. At present, there are few studies on the cost performance of staining which is important in practical application. The existing researches usually focused on the dyeing effect only, while ignoring the expenditure that should be considered in practical application (13, 33-38).
We also combine cost performance and dyeing quality by investigating price and service time of dye, dyeing efficiency, and dyeing time. We conclude that H-E stain is a faster and cheaper staining method than Papanicolaou stain, which could reduce the labor and economic costs greatly with a broad application prospects under the condition of large quantities of endometrial cells in clinic practice.