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OBJECTIVE: To develop and assess CytoView, a prototype computer image-based cytology proficiency testing (PT) system, as an alternative to glass-slide cervical cytology PT. STUDY DESIGN: The computer-based PT consists of 10 cases taken from 10 Pap smears, each of which had received a consensus Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-category diagnosis from three pathologists. Each CytoView "case" was the digital representation of > 8,000 microscopic fields, captured from a selected 5 x 10-mm rectangle of a Pap smear. The 5 x 10-mm capture rectangle was selected from the slide's most representative area for its diagnostic category. The CytoView project team developed each case through a multistep process that included image capture, image alignment, correlation of 10x and 40x images, and image display. The 10-slide CytoView PT prototype was then assessed by groups of cytopathologists and cytotechnologists. RESULTS: The CytoView prototype PT system was developed and assessed. CONCLUSION: Preliminary evaluation of CytoView indicated potential for this format as a valid and logistically feasible alternative to the traditional glass slide PT format.
Taylor et al. (Fri,) studied this question.