PAPNET testing for HSILs. The few cell/small cell challenge.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To define and evaluate the effectiveness of the PAPNET Testing System for high grade squamous cervical intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). STUDY DESIGN: The literature was reviewed, defining the "few cell/small cell challenge" associated with HSIL. Several recently published investigations demonstrate the effectiveness of PAPNET testing, especially the effectiveness of PAPNET testing in reducing false negatives for these lesions. RESULTS: The results of several independent investigations demonstrate that the PAPNET Testing System is sensitive to the types of abnormalities typically not detected by conventional screening (e.g., abnormal cells that are small and few in number). In clinical practice, the PAPNET Testing System is effective in reducing false negatives. CONCLUSION: The PAPNET Testing System helps solve the "unfortunate paradox of Pap smear diagnosis," as noted by DeMay, that high grade serious lesions may be more difficult to detect and diagnose by cytology than low grade lesions, which are clinically less significant and often regress without therapy. The accuracy of detection of HSIL is improved with the PAPNET Testing System.