Liquid-based cytology improves productivity in cervical cytology screening

Objectives: The ThinPrep((R)) test was introduced into our institution on a phased basis over 3 years between January 2002 and December 2004. This study set out to assess its effect on productivity (as measured by output of cases per medical scientist per day) during the changeover period. Numbers of high and low-grade lesions and of unsatisfactory slides were also monitored. Methods: The percentage conversion from conventional preparation to liquid-based cytology (LBC) and output of cases per medical scientist per day were calculated from our database at 6-month intervals. The average backlog, average number of cases received per month and percentage of unsatisfactory and abnormal cases were calculated similarly. Results: Over the study period 92 084 cases were received. The percentage of cases using ThinPrep((R)) increased: from 9% in January 2002 to 73% in December 2004. During the study there was an increase in output from 17.0 to 22.3 cases per medical scientist per day, representing a 31% improvement at 73% conversion. Numbers of unsatisfactory cases decreased substantially and the numbers of low and high-grade diagnoses were relatively constant. Conclusions: The change to ThinPrep((R)) has improved productivity and decreased the number of unsatisfactory cases. There was no adverse effect on quality during the changeover.