Computer Assisted Cervical Cytology

Abstract

Automation and emerging information technologies are being adopted by cytology laboratories around the world to augment Pap test screening and improve diagnostic accuracy. Informatics, the application of computers and information systems to information management, is therefore essential for the successful operation of the cytopathology laboratory. This chapter describes how laboratory information management systems can be used to achieve an automated and seamless workflow process. The utilization of software, electronic databases and spreadsheets to perform necessary quality control measures will be discussed. The emerging role of computer assisted screening and application of digital imaging to the field of cervical cytology will be described, including telecytology and virtual microscopy. Finally, this chapter will reflect on the impact of online cytology resources and the emerging role of digital image cytometry.