Utility of 2-D and 3-D virtual microscopy in cervical cytology education and testing.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of 3-D vs. 2-D virtual microscopy as adjuncts to education and assessment in cervical cytology.


METHODS
Five cervical cytology slides were acquired in 2-D; then the identical area of the slide was acquired in 3-D, resulting in 2 sets of virtual slides for comparison with the original glass slide. Seventy-nine paid volunteer cytologists and cytotechnology students participated. Approximately half were sent the 2-D set of slides via the Web, and the others a 3-D set of slides on a DVD. Evaluators examined the virtual slides and committed to an interpretation. After receipt of the original glass slides, a second interpretation was made, if different from the virtual slide interpretation.


RESULTS
Diagnostic accuracy using virtual cytology slides was similar to that for glass slides (94% vs. 96%). There was no difference in diagnostic accuracy between 2-D and 3-D slides (p = 0.28); however, the ability to focus 3-D slides in the z-axis was strongly endorsed by the participants because of the uncertainty and frustration of having some cells out of focus on 2-D virtual slides.


CONCLUSIONS
There was consensus that virtual cervical cytology slides would be a useful augmentation to education and testing.
Dee
Fred R
FR
University of Iowa, Department of Pathology, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. fred-dee@uiowa.edu
Donnelly
Amber
A
Radio
Stanley
S
Leaven
Timothy
T
Zaleski
M Sue
MS
Kreiter
Clarence
C
D003585:Cell Biology / Q000193:education*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors