Computer-assisted screening of cervical smears approved

(Aotea News, May 2010)

Aotea Pathology is delighted to announce it has approval from the National Cervical Screening Programme to begin computer-assisted screening of cervical smears.

This approval follows a lengthy and rigorous certification process for the laboratory and its cytology staff in the use of this advanced technology.

The adoption of computer-assisted screening is the second part of a major evolution in the way the laboratory collects and reports cervical cytology.

The first part came last year when we moved to a liquid-based collection system using the BD Diagnostic SurePath technology.

We have now coupled this with the BD FocalPoint GS (guided screener) Imaging System which uses an automated primary screening system, digital imaging and a automated microscope to locate abnormalities in SurePath prepared slides.

The use of both liquid-based cytology and computer-assisted screening has been shown to significantly reduce the rate of false negative reports, which are recognised limitations of manual cytology screening.

How we use the computer system to screen smears

All cervical smears will now first be screened by the computer system which uses powerful and robust algorithms to identify potentially abnormal cells on the slide; then, with the use of robotic microscopes, the computer directs the human user to the cells of concern.

Our highly trained cytology staff will still make the final interpretation of the slide, and all smears still receive an examination by human eyes.

Minor changes in reporting

The reports you receive will look essentially the same and the reporting criteria and recommendations remain unchanged.

The only alteration will be a statement that will appear at the bottom of reports to reflect utilisation of automated screening technology for that case.

Aotea Pathology at the forefront of cervical cytology

From the introduction of the National Cervical Screening Programme, Aotea Pathology (with its parent laboratories Medical Laboratory Wellington and Valley Diagnostics) has been an established leader in cytology, and we are excited to remain at the forefront of continual improvement in the accuracy of cervical cytology with our new technology.