Summary

Introduction: Uterine cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women, where more than 80% occur in developing countries. Cervical cancer screening has proven effective in reducing the incidence and mortality from cervical cancer, especially when it is implemented within organised population- based programmes. Initially, the screening test was Pap smear (conventional cytology). To improve the effectiveness of screening new sampling techniques, such as liquid-based cytology (LBC), and automation-assisted systems of reading cytological slides have been introduced.

Objective:

a) To assess the efficacy and effectiveness of automated reading
versus manual reading of cytologies (conventional or LBC) in cervical cancer screening.

b) To evaluate the productivity of automated slide reading versus manual slide reading. c) To assess the cost-effectiveness ratio of automation- assisted slide reading.

Methods: Systematic review of the scientific literature. Critical appraisal of studies was conducted by two independent reviewers.

Results, conclusions and recomendations see pdf below