What is the role of liquid-based cytology in modern diagnostics?

Liquid-based cytology plays a significant role in modern diagnostics by improving the quality and accuracy of cell analysis. In this technique, cell samples are suspended in a liquid medium, which helps separate and preserve cells. This method reduces the presence of artifacts, allows for better cell preservation, and enables more thorough examination. It is commonly used in Pap smears for cervical cancer screening, enhancing detection rates of precancerous and cancerous cells and allowing for additional tests, such as HPV testing, from the same sample.