Use of the ThinPrep® Imaging System does not alter the frequency of interpreting Papanicolaou tests as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
2008

Impact of ThinPrep Imaging System on Pap Test Results

Sample size: 68998 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Michael J Thrall, Donna K Russell, Thomas A Bonfiglio, Rana S Hoda

Primary Institution: University of Rochester Medical Center

Hypothesis

Does the use of the ThinPrep® Imaging System alter the frequency of interpreting Papanicolaou tests as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance?

Conclusion

The ThinPrep® Imaging System did not significantly change the rates of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance in our laboratory.

Supporting Evidence

  • Automated screening was performed on 23,103 TPPT, with 977 interpreted as ASC-US.
  • Manual screening was performed on 45,789 TPPT, with 1924 interpreted as ASC-US.
  • The HR-HPV positive rates were similar between TIS and MS groups.

Takeaway

Using the ThinPrep Imaging System for Pap tests doesn't change how often doctors find uncertain results, which means it can help speed up testing without causing more referrals.

Methodology

A computerized search for ASC-US cases with reflex HPV testing was conducted over a one-year period, comparing results from automated and manual screening.

Potential Biases

Selection bias may have occurred due to the random selection of cases for manual screening.

Limitations

The study was limited to a single institution and may not be generalizable to other settings.

Participant Demographics

The study included 2,716 women aged 15-85 years, with a mean age of 34 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.888

Statistical Significance

p = 0.888

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1742-6413-5-10

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