Schiller's test

Schiller's test or Schiller's Iodine test is a medical test in which iodine solution is applied to the cervix in order to diagnose cervical cancer.[1]

Procedure

Lugol's iodine solution is applied to the cervix under direct vision. Normal cervical mucosa contains glycogen and stains brown, whereas abnormal areas, such as early cervical cancer, do not take up the stain. The abnormal areas can then be biopsied and examined histologically.

Schiller's test is not specific for cervical cancer, as areas of inflammation, ulceration and keratosis may also not take up the stain.[2]

This should not be confused with the Schilling test, a test of vitamin B12 absorption.

Eponym

Schiller's test is named after Dr. Walter Schiller (1887 – 1960).[3]

References

  1. ^ Schiller's test at Who Named It?
  2. ^ Schiller's test at TheFreeDictionary.com
  3. ^ W. Schiller. Early diagnosis of carcinoma of the cervix. Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Chicago, 1933, 56: 210-222.