Guidance on liquid-based cytology system conversion training: a secondary publication.

Abstract

National cervical screening programmes are considering a move to HPV primary screening. HPV testing requires the cervical sample to be placed in liquid based cytology (LBC) media and the triage cytology test will be carried out using LBC preparations. The resources required for conversion training from conventional smears to LBC should not be underestimated as errors can be made without the use of a structured training plan and monitoring of performance. In the UK, many labs have converted between the two main LBC technologies, Thinprep and Surepath. The same logic apples: all staff including primary screeners and cytopathologists must undergo a structured conversion course with clear and measurable outcomes to ensure the competence of all staff before going "live" with the new technology. It is expected that conversion training will take approximately 39 hrs and a minimum of 95% high grade sensitivity and 70% specificity must be achieved.