CytoView. A prototype computer image-based Papanicolaou smear proficiency test.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and assess CytoView, a prototype computer image-based cytology proficiency testing (PT) system, as an alternative to glass-slide cervical cytology PT.


METHODS
The computer-based PT consists of 10 cases taken from 10 Pap smears, each of which had received a consensus Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-category diagnosis from three pathologists. Each CytoView "case" was the digital representation of > 8,000 microscopic fields, captured from a selected 5 x 10-mm rectangle of a Pap smear. The 5 x 10-mm capture rectangle was selected from the slide's most representative area for its diagnostic category. The CytoView project team developed each case through a multistep process that included image capture, image alignment, correlation of 10x and 40x images, and image display. The 10-slide CytoView PT prototype was then assessed by groups of cytopathologists and cytotechnologists.


RESULTS
The CytoView prototype PT system was developed and assessed.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary evaluation of CytoView indicated potential for this format as a valid and logistically feasible alternative to the traditional glass slide PT format.
Taylor
R N
RN
Division of Laboratory Systems, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chamblee, Georgia 30341-3717, USA.
Gagnon
M
M
Lange
J
J
Lee
T
T
Draut
R
R
Kujawski
E
E
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005898:Glass; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000379:methods*; D014741:Video Recording