Cervix
Cytologic features
Maturation index
Author: Nat Pernick, M.D.
Topic Completed: 1 June 2011
Minor changes: 10 March 2020
Copyright: 2011-2021, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed search: Maturation index [title]
Table of Contents
Definition / generalCite this page: Pernick N. Maturation index. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/cervixcytologymaturationindex.html. Accessed March 9th, 2021.
Definition / general
- Defined as ratio of parabasal to intermediate to superficial cells of vaginal epithelium (sampled at middle third of lateral vaginal wall)
- Sample often obtained simultaneous with Pap smear
- For detecting hormonal effects in menopausal and postmenopausal women
- Increased maturation in vaginal epithelium may be due to estrogenic effect of tamoxifen (Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 1998;25:121)
