Table 2. Definition of primary and secondary examinations.

An examination is secondary if in the preceding 48 months:

• there is a histological diagnosis of invasive cervical cancer

• there is a histological diagnosis of preinvasive cancer after which there has not been three cytological examinations with a negative result

• there is a cytological diagnosis of severe dysplasia after which there has not been three cytological examinations with a negative result

• there are at least two cytological diagnoses of light–moderate dysplasia after which there has not been three cytological examinations with a negative result

• there is a histological examination without diagnosis after which there is no histological examination with a negative result or three cytological examinations with a negative result

• there is a cytological diagnosis of light–moderate dysplasia after which there is no cytological examination with a negative result

• there is an inadequate cytological examination after which there has not been a cytological examination with a negative result

• there is a cytological examination without endocervical cells after which there has not been a cytological examination with a negative result

otherwise an examination is primary