Increased Cervical Cancer Detection Expected

Media Release
DATE: Friday 21 August, 2009

Subject: Increased Cervical Cancer Detection Expected With Launch Of New System

Increased cervical cancer detection and quicker reporting of results are expected at Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL) following the introduction of a new way of analysing cervical smear samples

The new automated technology for screening Pap test (cervical smear) slides is being launched by Canterbury Health Laboratories (CHL) and the company which developed it, Becton Dickinson (BD), in Christchurch on Tuesday 25 August.

Clinical trials in the United States of the FocalPoint-GS Automated Screening System showed it increased detection of cervical cancer by as much as 25 per cent over manual screening alone. The system was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States in late 2008.

CHL General Manager Trevor English says CHL’s own 12 month trial involving more than 5000 smears to validate the screening exceeded expectations with improved detection rates for cervical abnormalities.

“It significantly increases the detection of both high grade and low grade lesions, compared to manual screening,” he said.

“In New Zealand and overseas there is a shortage of medical laboratory scientists and pathologists to screen cervical smears, so this technology allows for improvement in productivity as well as increased disease detection. We will be putting this new system to full use to further enhance CHL’s service to smear takers, medical practices and New Zealand women in both increased cervical cancer detection and improved turn around times for reporting results.”

ENDS

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