Published 2006 | ISBN 1 84463 039 0 | Archived
The NHS Cervical Screening Programme is now more than half way through implementing liquid based cytology (LBC) – a new way of preparing and storing samples for examination in the laboratory. Women attending for screening, as well as staff, are already seeing benefits of this new technology and I am pleased to say that we are on track for completing roll-out of LBC in England in 2008. This has only been possible because of the hard work and continued support of staff working in the programme.
Where LBC has been implemented women are getting their results faster because this new technology enables staff to read samples more quickly. We know that, for some women, the wait for results can cause anxiety and any steps we can take to reduce that wait can only serve to increase confidence in the NHS Cervical Screening Programme. Furthermore, LBC reduces inadequate rates from an average of almost 10 per cent to 1-2 per cent. So fewer women need to attend for repeat tests because sample slides cannot be read properly.
This review also reports on developments in the programme since it was launched in 1988 as well as local initiatives.
- NHSCSP home page
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- About cervical screening
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screening programme- Information about cervical cancer
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