What are the stains used in cervical colposcopy?

From the Guidelines

Acetic acid is the primary stain used in cervical colposcopy, as it causes abnormal cells to appear white, highlighting areas of concern 1. The use of stains in cervical colposcopy is crucial for identifying abnormal tissue.

• The most commonly used stain is acetic acid, which is applied as a 4% solution to the cervix before viewing 1.
• The application of acetic acid induces coloration and allows for the observation of blood-vessel patterns, enabling a directed biopsy to rule out invasive disease and determine the extent of preinvasive disease.
• Although other stains like Lugol's iodine and toluidine blue may be used as adjuncts, the primary and most widely used stain is acetic acid, as evidenced by its application in the colposcopic examination process 1. Key points to consider when using acetic acid in cervical colposcopy include:
• The solution is applied directly to the cervix
• The examination is considered satisfactory if the entire squamocolumnar junction of the cervix is visualized
• Special considerations may be necessary for colposcopy performed during pregnancy, as discussed in the guidelines 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Pther Information: Will stain skin and clothing The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Stains Used in Cervical Colposcopy

The stains used in cervical colposcopy include:

• Acetic acid: used to highlight abnormal areas on the cervix 2, 3, 4, 5
• Lugol's iodine: used to identify low-grade and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL/HSIL) 6, 2, 3, 4, 5
• TMTP1-PEG4-ICG dye: a fluorescent dye used in fluorescence colposcopy to identify cervical precancerous lesions 5

Characteristics of Stains

The characteristics of these stains are:

• Acetic acid: causes abnormal areas to turn white (acetowhite) 2, 3, 4
• Lugol's iodine: stains normal tissue brown, while abnormal tissue remains yellow or does not stain 6, 3, 4
• TMTP1-PEG4-ICG dye: fluoresces in areas with precancerous lesions, allowing for identification during fluorescence colposcopy 5

Diagnostic Efficiency

The diagnostic efficiency of these stains is:

• Acetic acid and Lugol's iodine: commonly used in conventional colposcopy to identify cervical precancerous lesions 2, 3, 4, 5
• TMTP1-PEG4-ICG dye: comparable to conventional colposcopy with acetic acid and Lugol's iodine in identifying cervical precancerous lesions 5