Lugol’s Solution : Colposcopy

Rationale

• Lugol’s solution can be used to determine the need for biopsy of areas that are minimally abnormal
• It binds to cells with high amounts of glycogen (normal squamous epithelium)
• Lugol’s Positive (epithelium turns dark brown after application) – epithelium is mature squamous and does not need to be bipsied (unless suspicion is high)

Procedure

• application to the cervix using cotton-tipped bud 
• no specific volume indicated/minimal amount based on site
• be done in a manner without abrading the surface epithelium, as HSIL lesions can detach from the underlying stroma relatively easily and peel away
• Lesion margins, color, and vascular patterns are then assessed and graded, with biopsies taken from the areas that are judges as the most severe

References:

1. 2002-04 ASCCP Section on the Cervix
2. STANDARDIZEDPROCEDURE COLPOSCOPY (Adult, Peds).  UC San Diego Health
3. http://screening.iarc.fr/colpochap.php?chap=5
4. https://www.glowm.com/section_view/heading/Colposcopy/item/19