BD introduces new liquid based cytology technique to enable accurate cervical cancer screening

New Delhi: BD Life Sciences-Diagnostic Systems, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), has announced the launch of BD SurePath Direct to Slide. It is a liquid-based cytology (LBC) test intended to be used for screening and detection of cervical cancer, pre-cancerous lesions, atypical cells and all other cytologic categories.

Offering a complete LBC solution and characterized by FDA standardized sample collection process, through ease of use, 100 percent of the collected sample is sent to the lab, mentioned the official release by the company. It further stated that utilizing BD’s proprietary cell enrichment technique, the product has improved slide quality, whilst accommodating the requirements of labs with lower volume testing.

As per company, the BD SurePath Direct to Slide is a unique LBC technique that will offer the availability of residual sample for conducting important additional follow up tests without the need for repeat sampling.

Commenting that cervical cancer can be prevented by screening women systematically through organized population based programmes, Dr Minaxi Desai- Ex Director, Manchester Cytology Centre, Manchester Royal Infirmary, UK added, “Given that cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most frequent cancer among women in India, it is a time that screening should become a part of their routine health check-up. Women undergoing screening should opt for Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) as a screening test since it has demonstrated ability to detect abnormal cells at the initial stages of precancer thus, preventing cervical cancer from progressing and ensuring cure which detected and treated early enough. LBC also offers the advantage of higher accuracy, shorter screening time and subsequent molecular studies on the same sample.”

Mr Pavan Mocherla, Managing Director, BD–India said, “Early detection of cervical cancer and its malignant precursors is imperative for survival. BD’s cancer diagnostic capabilities focus on improving health outcomes for patients by providing laboratories with solutions that improve quality, enhance laboratory system productivity and inform medical decisions. In India where women’s health is a priority, we are glad that BD SurePathTM DTS will be able to enhance the standard of patient care, representing the next milestone in cervical cancer screening.”

Traditionally, conventional pap smear, a simple and quick test has been the mainstay for cervical cancer screening. However, this method has limitations in preparation technique and its ability to detect every abnormality, hence the need to move towards a better and efficient technique. As innovation and research continues in battling the increasing burden of cervical cancer, new technologies such as Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) have emerged as superior screening methods.

Dr Jaideep Malhotra, President-FOGSI 2018 also added, “Liquid based cytology significantly increases the detection rate of cervical cancer compared to conventional PAP even at initial stages. Access to LBC so far has been limited to highly sophisticated lab settings so far. With the launch of DTS-a simplified LBC solution from BD today, access to quality cervical cancer screening will increase and we recommend that an early diagnosis through screening by LBC can significantly enhance the chances of timely and successful treatment.”

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in the country among women aged between 15 and 44 years. The importance of proactive and periodic screening stems from the fact that cervical cancer is a preventable and curable condition if detected in the asymptomatic stages. Unfortunately, in India there continues to be a major gap in the awareness levels in women regarding screening especially while still asymptomatic. This further results in delayed diagnosis when the cost of the treatment becomes exorbitant. Hence it is critical to understand the advantages of screening and opt for appropriate testing methods.