Cervical Cytology Laboratory Review
March 2008 Update
The Cervical Review Group met in December and covered 3 main areas:
- Professor Heather Cubie gave a presentation on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Testing and potential implications to the screening programme in the future. Areas covered included types of testing, the wider international picture and the potential impact to the current laboratory delivery.
- The second area the full review group has been developing is the options appraisal approach to the possible future delivery of the cervical laboratory services. A tendering process is currently underway to appoint a consultancy company to carry out the options appraisal taking cognisance of the many factors influencing or which may influence cervical cytology in the future including new technology, staffing, HPV vaccination and testing. (The options paper is attached )
- The third area was the potential of a feasibility study of imaging technology used to enhance the in laboratory screening process. It was decided to set up a feasibility group was tasked with designing a feasibility study to assess an imaging system and its potential benefits and risks within a Scottish Cohort. The particular areas to be assessed are in relation to the performance of the Imager in relation to LBC screening looking at sensitivity, specificity, PPV and other quality indicators, efficiency and potential impact to manpower planning and laboratory delivery. (Feasibility paper attached )
The feasibility group membership consists of Jocelyn Imrie (Chair), Jackie Anderson, Derek Bishop, Margaret Burgoyne, Emilia Crichton, Ian Forbes, Edward Duvall, Mary McKean, Sheila Nicoll, Timothy Palmer, Allan Wilson) and met at the beginning of February. It is expected the feasibility study will take 9 - 12 months from inception and the findings will be reported to the Cervical Cytology Laboratory Review Group.
The proposal in the accepted paper was to carry out site assessments in the West of Scotland and one in the North of Scotland and on successful outcome carry out the feasibility study in 3 laboratories in each.
Currently site assessments are being carried out in:
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Inverclyde Royal Hospital
- Southern General Hospital
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
- Ninewells Hospital
- Raigmore Hospital
If the laboratories and their management are in agreement and the site surveys show the labs have the facilities it is expected the feasibility study will start after full validation procedures in Spring/Early Summer.
The minutes from the February feasibility group meeting are attached.
The date of the next review group and feasibility group meetings is the 11th March 2008 in St Andrew's House.
I hope this helps to update the situation. If there are any questions please get in touch through the contact us page.
Derek Bishop
March 2008