Strengths and Limitations
This study has several strengths. The first one is the relatively large
sample size. To our knowledge, this study had the biggest sample size
regarding the abnormal TCT results in TS studies. The second one is the
quality-assured colposcopy examination supporting in our hospital.
Moreover, we took cervical TZ types into analysis, which had not been
done before.
There are a few limitations of this study. Firstly, TS could not detect
the cervical canal and endocervix directly, as the tip of the device
could not reach into the cervical canal. Secondly, the TCT reports of
enrolled participants were from different hospitals, which might cause
subtle bias. Thirdly, we enrolled patients and executed TS detection at
colposcopy examination room and outpatient department. Patients who were
enrolled and TS-examined at outpatient department were not to have
colposcopy examination immediately, usually within one week. The interim
might cause patients’ vaginal condition changed (for example, vaginitis,
menses and intercourse).