Published 2017
The ASCCP Colposcopy Standards recommendations address the role of colposcopy and directed biopsy for cervical cancer prevention in the United States. The recommendations were developed by an expert working group appointed by ASCCP’s Board of Directors. An extensive literature review was conducted, supplemented by a systematic review and meta-analysis of unpublished data. Additionally, a survey of practicing colposcopists was conducted to assess current colposcopy practice in the United States. Recommendations were approved by the working group members, and final revisions were made based on comments received from the public. The recommendations cover terminology, risk-based colposcopic biopsy, colposcopy procedures, and colposcopy adjuncts. The ASCCP Colposcopy Standards recommendations are an important step towards raising the standard of colposcopy services delivered to women in the United States. Since cervical cancer screening programs are currently undergoing important changes that may affect colposcopy performance, updates to some of the current recommendations may be necessary in the future.
The Colposcopy Standards recommendations are endorsed by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College Health Association (ACHA), the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP), the Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO)
Update 2023
The most recent guidelines for colposcopy practice in the United States, the 2017 Colposcopy Standards Consensus Guidelines, did not include recommendations for endocervical curettage (ECC). This update provides updated guidelines for use of ECC among patients referred for colposcopy.
The 2023 Colposcopy Standards: Guidelines for Endocervical Curettage at Colposcopy are endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS), the Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH), and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO).
View Recommendations and ECC Update