Cervical Cytology Workload Statistics - October to December 2006

Summary of release

The total number of smears processed for October 2006 to December 2006 was 93,825 compared with 98,745 in the quarter ending September 2006. This 5.0% decrease reflects a seasonal variation in the uptake of cervical smears with fewer taken in the final quarter of the calendar year. Compared with the same quarter in 2005/06 (quarter ending 31 December 2005, 96,401 smears processed) there is a decrease of 2.7%. Average reporting time in Scotland is 12 days, which is slightly lower than the previous quarter (14 days). This varies across Scotland from 4 days in Fife to 21 days in Highland. Reporting times have decreased in 6 of the 10 boards. 

The percentage of unsatisfactory smears is 2.3% which is similar to the previous quarter (2.2%) and is broadly similar to the corresponding quarter in 2005/06 (2.1%). The percentages range from 1.5% in Tayside to 3.5% in Highland.The percentage of satisfactory smears reported as negative is 92.3% which is similar to the previous quarter (92.4%).  The percentages range from 90.4% in Greater Glasgow to 95.3% 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 Contacts

Judith Stark
Senior Statistician
TEL: 0131 275 7562
E mail: Judith.Stark@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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Pre-release access to this publication was given to:

National Services Division, NHS National Services Scotland, QA Adviser to Scottish Cervical Screening Programme, Scottish Executive Health Department, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland

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History of this publication:

Last Published:  01/07
Next Due:  07/07
Data Available Since: 4/1999