Clinical validation of interactive cytologic screening. Automating the search, not the interpretation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the PAPNET Testing System in improving cervical smear screening accuracy as measured during routine screening.

Study design: A review of several recently published studies on the effectiveness of PAPNET testing in clinical use. System performance was retrospectively and prospectively evaluated and compared to the conventional method of testing. The use of PAPNET rescreening to identify smears having more significant abnormalities than had been initially diagnosed was investigated.

Results: New studies demonstrate that PAPNET testing increases the detection of significant lesions and improves cytotechnologist performance in routine clinical practice. Less variable diagnostic results are achieved with PAPNET testing as compared to conventional methods. The system is effective in identifying atypical smears having more serious abnormalities.

Conclusion: When used as a supplemental method in routine practice, as studies have shown, PAPNET testing can reduce interobserver variability and increase the detection of abnormality.