Considerations to inform minimum slide numbers to maintain cytology triage screening competencies

Abstract

Currently, UK cervical screening programmes operate a 3000 minimum slide threshold for cytology screening staff. Post implementation of primary human papillomavirus (pHPV) testing, cytology screening will decrease substantially—by 85%–90%, depending on the HPV positivity rate. This report outlines revised minimum workload proposals that are arguably better suited to modern laboratory cervical screening services.