OBJECTIVE: To construct a markovian model to project the marginal cost of t
he AutoPap(R) System as compared to manual cervical cytologic screening.
STUDY DESIGN: Data from a clinical trial and published literature were ente
red into a seven-state markovian decision-analytic model to estimate the ma
rginal cost per year of life saved that could be attributed to changes in p
rimary screening technology.
RESULTS: Annual screening with AutoPap(R) produced a meaningful increase in
life expectancy of 32.1 days relative to manual screening at a marginal sa
vings of $628 per person (or a marginal savings of $7,144 per life-year sav
ed). Less frequent screening yielded lower positive savings.
CONCLUSION: Automated screening for cervical cancer has the potential to si
gnificantly improve health care outcomes and reduce cost.