CLINICAL VALIDATION OF INTERACTIVE CYTOLOGIC SCREENING - AUTOMATING THE SEARCH, NOT THE INTERPRETATION

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the PAPNET Testing System in improving cervical smear screening accuracy as measured during rout ine screening. STUDY DESIGN: A review of several recently published st udies on the effectiveness of PAPNET testing in clinical use. System p erformance was retrospectively and prospectively evaluated and compare d to the conventional method of testing. The use of PAPNET rescreening to identify smears having move significant abnormalities than had bee n initially diagnosed was investigated. RESULTS: New studies demonstra te 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 identify ing atypical smears having more serious abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Whe n used as a supplemental method in routine practice, as studies have s hown, PAPNET testing can reduce interobserver variability and increase the detection of abnormality.