From the Research
The step-by-step process for Visual Inspection with Acetic acid (VIA) screening begins with positioning the patient in the lithotomy position, followed by the insertion of a speculum to visualize the cervix, and then applying 3-5% acetic acid solution to the cervix using a cotton swab or spray. The process involves several key steps:
- Positioning the patient in the lithotomy position after explaining the procedure and obtaining consent
- Inserting a speculum to visualize the cervix and removing any discharge or mucus using a cotton swab
- Applying 3-5% acetic acid (white vinegar) solution to the cervix using a cotton swab or spray, ensuring complete coverage of the cervical surface
- Waiting 1-2 minutes for the acetic acid to interact with abnormal cervical tissue
- Carefully examining the cervix for any acetowhite areas, which appear as distinct white patches against the pink background of normal cervical tissue
- Documenting the results immediately, noting the location and characteristics of any acetowhite lesions This process is supported by recent studies, such as the one published in 2023 1, which evaluated the performance of VIA for triage of HPV screen-positive women and found high sensitivity for cervical precancer detection. Additionally, a systematic review published in 2023 2 highlighted the importance of training health care providers to administer VIA as a screening test for cervical cancer, emphasizing the need for standardized reporting of quality indicators to enhance future reporting and evaluation of VIA training programs. The entire procedure typically takes 5-10 minutes and causes minimal discomfort, making it a valuable tool for cervical cancer screening, especially in low-resource settings, as demonstrated by a study published in 2015 3. Overall, VIA is a simple, low-cost method for detecting cervical precancerous lesions, and its effectiveness is supported by recent evidence 1, 2.