Strengths and Limitations
This study has several strengths. The first one is the relatively large sample size. To our knowledge, this study had the biggest sample size regarding the abnormal TCT results in TS studies. The second one is the quality-assured colposcopy examination supporting in our hospital. Moreover, we took cervical TZ types into analysis, which had not been done before.
There are a few limitations of this study. Firstly, TS could not detect the cervical canal and endocervix directly, as the tip of the device could not reach into the cervical canal. Secondly, the TCT reports of enrolled participants were from different hospitals, which might cause subtle bias. Thirdly, we enrolled patients and executed TS detection at colposcopy examination room and outpatient department. Patients who were enrolled and TS-examined at outpatient department were not to have colposcopy examination immediately, usually within one week. The interim might cause patients’ vaginal condition changed (for example, vaginitis, menses and intercourse).