Table 1.

Glossary of cervical cytology results according to the British Society for Clinical Cytology (BSCC), and Bethesda terminology

BSCC cytology resultBethesda system cytology resultDiagnostic cytology thresholds
High gradeaVery high gradeb
NegativeWithin normal limits
InadequateUnsatisfactory
Borderline change in squamous cellsASC-US
Borderline change, high-grade dyskaryosis not excludedASC-H
Borderline change in endocervical cellsAGC
Mild dyskaryosisLSIL
Moderate dyskaryosisHSIL
Severe dyskaryosisHSIL
High-grade dyskaryosis ?invasiveSquamous cell carcinoma
?Glandular neoplasiaAIS
  • a High grade, defined as borderline high risk, or moderate dyskaryosis, or worse.

  • b Very high grade, defined as severe dyskaryosis or worse. AGC = atypical glandular cells. AIS = adenocarcinoma in situ. ASC-H = atypical cells of undetermined significance, cannot exclude a high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. ASC-US = atypical cells of undetermined significance. HSIL = high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. LSIL = low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.