New technique for cervical cancer testing could soon replace smear test in UK

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 19 Aug 2003 - 0:00 PDT

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A recomendation from The National Institute for Clinical Excellence could mean the end of the traditional smear test. Instead, a new technique using liquid-based cytology (LBC) could be employed.

Experts from the Institute have said that the new technique is better at picking up possible cancers.

A Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) has been submitted, with the final decision expected next month on whether to introduce the new test.

Pilot studies in four English hospitals show this new technique is better at picking up possible cancers than the current Pap smear system. They also showed it could reduce the rate of inconclusive smears by 6% a year.

A link to the Final Appraisal Determination is below (191kb PDF Document):

http://www.nice.org.uk/pdf/FAD_LBC.pdf