Historical information

This was used in the Gynaecology Outpatients Department at the Mater Maternity Hospital, Brisbane. Subsequently stored in Dr Brunello's shed. He has another 3 identical items. A second identical item is held - for archival purposes. James Ernest Ayre was a Canadian; he spent time studying with Papanicolaou in his New York laboratory. Ayre's spatula was developed for taking Pap smears, but was never patented.

Received subsequent to the opening of the new museum in early November 1997. This was a replacement for a similar item left after the February 1997 Council meeting. This was apparently lost. Dr Brunello was the president of the College at the time. First item subsequently located.

Physical description

Stainless steel pap smear spatula 18cms in length. The surface is smooth, except for parallel scoring along the spatula's head.