Preliminary comparative considerations about urinary cytology and the Bard BTA test in the diagnosis and follow-up of superficial bladder cancer

Abstract

— The value of urinary cytology in the diagnosis and follow-up of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is well known. Results of traditional cytologic examinations may be affected by the different methods of urine collection, preservation, manipulation and observation of the samples so that more objective tools are desirable. The aim of this study in to compare the traditional cytologic examinations with a new diagnostic in-vitro test (Bard BTA test), which can detect antigen complexes in the urine due to the contact of the tumour cells with the basement membrane. The Bard BTA test is a latex agglutination assay which identifies the bladder tumour antigens in the urine. The result of the agglutination reaction (positive or negative) may be visually distinguished by the variation in colour of special strips of testing paper. The Authors report on a preliminary experience in the follow-up of patients with previous superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: they compare the results of traditional cytology, the Bard BTA test and cystoscopy and have found agreement in 70% of the cases.