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 routine screening.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Mango
L J
LJ
Neuromedical Systems, Inc., Suffern, New York 10901-4114, USA.
D001331:Automation; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D015588:Observer Variation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D014741:Video Recording