ThinPrep Pap Test Offers Improved Slide Preparation

MARLBOROUGH, Mass--Cytyc Corporation's ThinPrep 2000 System forcervical cancer screening has received FDA approval and is nowavailable. The system offers an improved method of preparing Papsmears over the conventional method, leading to fewer retestsdue to compromised smears and potentially fewer missed abnormalities.

With the ThinPrep Pap test, the physician collects the cervicalcells in the traditional way, but rather than smearing a smallportion of the cells onto a slide, the physician rinses the cellsfrom the collection device into a vial filled with preservativesolution. This vial is then sent to the lab where the ThinPrep2000 Processor disperses and filters its contents to reduce mucus,blood, and inflammation, and applies a thin, even layer of cellsto a microscope slide.