Endocervical Curettage

An endocervical curettage, or ECC, is a type of biopsy. It is a procedure where a curette—a narrow, spoon-shaped medical instrument—is used to scrape the mucous membrane (or lining) of the endocervical canal (the passageway between the cervix and uterus). This procedure obtains a small tissue sample, which is then sent to a pathology lab to be examined to see if it contains any abnormal cells (such as precancerous or cancerous cells). An endocervical curettage is performed during a colposcopy, a procedure that is usually ordered by an OB/GYN doctor if you have abnormal or inconclusive results from a Pap test, if something possibly abnormal was noticed during a pelvic exam, or if you have a history of prenatal exposure to DES (diethylstillbestrol, a synthetic form of estrogen)

Do not take aspirin or blood thinners before the procedure.

Do not douche or use tampons for at least three days before the procedure.

Do not engage in sexual intercourse for at least three days before the procedure.