An adequate sample is the most important factor for successful cervical cytology. In this study a conventional method is compared to a new method of biopsy in a group of 40 patients undergoing tests in June 1991. A quantitative and qualitative evaluation of esocervical and endocervical cells was made; similar percentages were obtained for floor cells using both using systems, whereas higher percentage values (82.5% vs 67.5%) were obtained for cylindrical cells using the new method. Compared to the conventional method the new method also possessed an inadequacy rate of below 50% in post-menopausal patients. Therefore, although the new method is similar to the conventional one in terms of quality, it is thought to be more appropriate due to the greater number of endocervical cells collected, especially in post-menopausal patients.