Is there anything new or being developed to improve the accuracy of cervical smear tests?
While the standard smear test is very good at detecting problems, new methods are being developed to improve the accuracy of cervical smear tests. The National Institute for Clinical Excellency (NICE) has recently approved a new method to help reduce false negative cervical smear test results and the inadequate ones. One is called the Thin-Prep test (Liquid Based Cytology), where cervical cells are placed in a different way than with the standard smear test. This may make it easier to detect abnormal cells. Other methods use computers to scan the cervical cells to look for abnormal cells. These new methods cost more than the standard Pap smear test and are not at the moment practised by all GP’s and all NHS hospitals. However it is covered by most of the private medical insurances. Research is been done and showed that are in fact thin prep test more accurate than the standard Pap smear test. The recommendation that all GP’s and NHS Hospitals will provide this service very soon.
