Automated Quantitative Cytology Imaging Analysis System in Cervical Cancer Screening in Shanxi Province, China

Purpose: In China the number of pathologists is far from being enough to meet the demands of ongoing population based cervical cancer screening programs. This article aims to present our experience with automated quantitative cytology imaging platform, a reading system with an artificial intelligence that we currently use routinely for cervical cancer screening in Shanxi province. Methods: From 2012-2016 a total of 40 178 women were screened. Women were divided into three groups and each group had two subgroups. Smear and liquid based technique were compared using manual and automated platform. Results: Detection rates of CIN2 + and positive rates of CIN2 were higher in all three groups when automated quantitative cytology platform was used compared with groups where reading was done by the pathologist using conventional microscope. Operator’s costs associated with automated quantitative cytology platform vs. conventional reading using light microscope were compared too. The overall costs of operations based on automated platform were proven to be lower. Conclusion: The use of automated platform and artificial intelligence as a means to overcome the lack of cytotechnologists and pathologists and to implement proper quality control in the large scale population based cervical cancer screening seems very promising.