AI-Based Algorithm Aims to Enable
Cytotechnologists and Pathologists to Efficiently Identify Evidence
of Cervical Cancer and Precancerous Lesions
FRANKLIN
LAKES, N.J. and OREM,
Utah, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BD (Becton,
Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical
technology company, and Techcyte, a world leader in artificial
intelligence (AI)-based digital diagnostics, today announced a
strategic collaboration agreement to offer an AI-based algorithm
that guides cytologists and pathologists to efficiently and
effectively identify evidence of cervical cancer and precancer
using whole-slide imaging.
The agreement enables BD to deliver a complete solution that
aims to reduce the potential for human error and enable greater
throughput, so that labs can achieve their results with greater
standardization, reproducibility, and efficiency from a Pap test,
also known as a Pap smear.
Traditionally, Pap tests have been conducted by taking a sample
from a patient and placing it on a glass slide that is visually
evaluated by a cytotechnologist or pathologist using a microscope.
With the digital cervical cytology system, the samples can be
scanned, converted to a digital slide image, and then reviewed on a
computer monitor in a lab or from a remote location. In addition,
the digital cervical cytology system uses an AI-based algorithm to
prioritize and present clinically relevant cells for visual
evaluation.
"There is a shortage of health care laboratory technicians, and
the problem is particularly acute in the area of cytology" said
Nikos Pavlidis, acting president of
Diagnostic Solutions at BD. "This solution helps solve for the
dearth of expert cytologists by leveraging new AI-based digital
technology to make the testing process efficient and bring the
traditional Pap test into the 21st century."
The Techcyte platform is compatible with the most common liquid
based cytology (LBC) preparations, including BD SurePath™
Liquid-based Pap Test vial and aims to be compatible with several
of the most-used whole-slide imagers on the market.
"Eye strain, fatigue, distractions, and intense workloads can
make manually reading Pap smears difficult," said Ben Cahoon, CEO of Techcyte. "Our digital
workflow supported by an AI-based algorithm can assist lab
professionals in delivering consistent results for their patients.
Our system presents the most diagnostically relevant cell images to
guide the cytotechnologists and pathologists for efficient review
and better decision making."
Globally, cervical cancer kills more than 340,000 women
annually. It is the fourth most frequently observed cancer in
women, and its high mortality rate could be reduced through a
comprehensive approach that includes effective screening. Although
the guidance within health care is shifting to recommending HPV
screening as the primary test for cervical cancer, Pap tests will
continue to play an important diagnostic role, as programs are
transitioning to the new standard of care and in looking for
precancer and cancer when a high-risk HPV infection is detected.
One in 10 HPV tests are positive and positive results are then
referred to a Pap test for visual inspection of cells.
The Techcyte system is CE-marked per the IVD directive
(98/79/EC) for clinical use in Europe, and Techcyte intends to seek full U.S.
FDA approval for clinical use and CE certification to the IVDR
(EU)2017/746. The BD and Techcyte IVDD solution will be
commercially available in Europe
in the first half of 2024, and in the U.S. subject to FDA approval
for clinical use.
About BD
BD is one of the largest global medical
technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of
health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the
delivery of care. The company supports the heroes on the frontlines
of health care by developing innovative technology, services and
solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and
clinical process for health care providers. BD and its more than
70,000 employees have a passion and commitment to help enhance the
safety and efficiency of clinicians' care delivery process, enable
laboratory scientists to accurately detect disease and advance
researchers' capabilities to develop the next generation of
diagnostics and therapeutics. BD has a presence in virtually every
country and partners with organizations around the world to address
some of the most challenging global health issues. By working in
close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes,
lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand
access to health care. For more information on BD, please visit
bd.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at
www.linkedin.com/company/bd1/, X (formerly Twitter) @BDandCo or
Instagram @becton_dickinson.
BD
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SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)