A recent study conducted in Netherlands has revealed that both traditional pap tests and the latest liquid-based cytology method are equally efficient in screening of cervical cancer. Recent times have seen a surge in the use of the liquid based method which most considered, till now, superior to its older counterpart.

Led by Albertus G. Siebers of the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Netherlands, the study has put to rest a debate which had been going on for quite sometime now. "Liquid-based cytology is neither more sensitive nor more specific in detecting cancer", explained Siebers. "However, the decision to convert to liquid-based cytology cannot be based on the performance of the method alone, as other arguments also play an important role".

While in the US, liquid-based screening has taken over the traditional methods in most of the places. Europe, on the other hand, is still debating about which of the two methods is better. The debate might take a new turn in light of the recent developments.

With the new findings, physicians who were still using the traditional pap screening method have been delighted. In addition, Dutch screening programs, which till now had not been allowed use of the liquid-based cytology, now can hope for been allowed the same.