The NHS Cervical Screening Programme is reaping the benefits of automation through the use of liquid-based techniques and automated technology, as Wilma Anderson explains.
Source BioScience, the international diagnostics and genetic analysis business, is leading the way in automated cervical cancer screening technology for the NHS with the BD SurePath PrepStain liquid-based cytology (LBC) processing platform and the BD FocalPoint slide profiler. This technology is now helping NHS trusts in the UK achieve faster turnaround times and ensuring a high-quality service for patients.
Complete sampling
In 2011, approximately two million cervical tests were evaluated using the SurePath technology across 50% of cytology laboratories in England and Wales. The SurePath technology is the only system that sends 100% of the collected sample to the laboratory for processing and where the special cell enrichment process ensures low inadequate rates compared to other LBC platforms.
The technology also provides excellent clinical performance for the detection both of low-grade and high-grade abnormalities. Four of the biggest laboratories in England and Wales currently use the SurePath technology, processing 140,000–220,000 samples per year, and currently there are over 50 SurePath systems installed across England and Wales.
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