Cervical Cytology Workload Statistics

Quarterly data on the number of cervical smears processed, average reporting times and results of smear tests, updated to 30 September 2006.

SUMMARY

• The total number of smears processed for June 2006 to September 2006 was 98,745 compared with 104,420 in the quarter ending June 2006, amounting to a 5.3% decrease in smears.  Compared with the same quarter in 2005/06 (quarter ending 30 September 2005) there is a decrease of 3.3%.
  
• Average reporting time in Scotland is 14 days, which is slightly higher than the previous quarter. This varies across Scotland from 4 days in Fife to 22 days in Forth Valley.  Reporting times have increased in 4 of the 10 boards.
  
• The percentage of unsatisfactory smears is 2.2% which is slightly lower than the previous quarter (2.3%) but is the same as the corresponding quarter in 2005/06. The percentages range from 1.6% in Tayside to 2.7% in Highland.
  
• The percentage of satisfactory smears reported as negative is 92.4% which is the same as the previous quarter.  The percentages range from 91.1% in Grampian to 94.7% in Tayside.
  
• A new method of processing smears was introduced during the financial year 2003/2004.  Liquid based cytology (LBC) reduces the rate of unsatisfactory smears and low grade smear results, and therefore the need for repeat smears.  Consequently there has been a reduction in the number of smears processed since the introduction of LBC.

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MAIN CONTACT:

Fiona Campbell
Principal Statistician
TEL: 0131 275 6125
E mail: Fiona.Campbell@isd.csa.scot.nhs.uk

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GLOSSARY:

cytology: the study of cells

dyskaryosis: abnormal cell changes

cervical smear: a test which detects abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix and enables affected women to have early treatment

adeno-carcinoma: a particular type of malignant tumour arising from glands

liquid based cytology (LBC):   a method of assessing cell changes

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Preview access to this release was given to:  National Services Division, NHS National Services Scotland, QA Adviser to Scottish Cervical Screening Programme, Scottish Executive Health Department

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History of this Publication:
This Data Last Published:  31/10/2006
Next Due for Publication:  24/04/2007
Published since: April 1999

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ISD Department of Origin:  Release originating from Epidemiology and Statistics Group on behalf of the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme, National Servies Division. The release will be posted on the main ISD website

• Other outputs from this department  (www.isdscotland.org/cancer) include:
• Data on cancer incidence, prevalence, lifetime risk, survival and mortality in Scotland for a range of different cancer sites.
• Data on the uptake and effectiveness of the Scottish Breast Screening Programme.
• Data on the uptake of cervical cancer screening in Scotland.
• A range of reports on Cancer published by ISD Scotland.