<![CDATA[Background: Liquid-based cervical cytology is a monolayer slide preparation technique that enhances the accuracy of conventional Pap smears. Blood contamination (erythrocytes) is one of the most common causes of inadequate liquid-based cervical cytology samples. Therefore, alternative methods and materials are necessary to improve the adequacy of blood contaminated liquid-based cervical cytology samples. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 95% alcohol and glacial acetic acid combination in enhancing the adequacy of blood-contaminated liquid-based cervical cytology samples.Methods: A total of 30 samples were included in this study, with patients aged between 21 and 59 years. The samples were divided into two groups based on the ratio of 95% alcohol to glacial acetic acid, specifically 4:1 and 3:2. The study utilized an experimental design, wherein sample lysis was carried out using these two reagent combinations. The adequacy of the samples was evaluated microscopically both prior to and following the lysis process. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and the Mann-Whitney U Test.Results: The results demonstrated that the 95% alcohol and glacial acetic acid combination effectively improved sample adequacy, with the 3:2 ratio yielding a more significant improvement (80%) compared to the 4:1 ratio (60%). The p-values from the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test were 0.003 for the 4:1 ratio and < 0.001 for the 3:2 ratio, indicating a significant difference between pre-lysis and post-lysis adequacy. However, the Mann-Whitney U test showed no significant difference between the two concentration ratios (p = 0.240). Conclusions: The combination of 95% alcohol and glacial acetic acid is an effective alternative for enhancing the adequacy of blood-contaminated liquid-based cervical cytology samples, with the 3:2 ratio providing optimal results.]]>
