NetMed Announces Preliminary Clinical Data on PAPNET Screening Technology

Preliminary clinical data released by the UK's National Health Service suggests that primary PAPNET screening can improve the detection of cervical abnormalities in women and do so in a more cost-effective manner than manual methods. NetMed, Inc., the developer and marketer of medical and health-related technologies, announced the findings at the 13th International Congress of Cytology in Tokyo. The study compared standard microscopic screening of Pap smears to PAPNET testing in a primary mode, revealing that PAPNET testing is more accurate and cost-effective.

Key Takeaways:

• The UK's National Health Service conducted a study comparing standard microscopic screening of Pap smears to PAPNET testing in a primary mode, reviewing over 12,000 cervical smears by both methods.
• The study found that a cytologist using the PAPNET test was able to screen smears approximately two and a half times more rapidly than by use of manual methods.
• PAPNET testing was found to be more accurate than manual screening in detecting "true" negative smears.
• NetMed's PAPNET system is approved by the FDA only as a supplemental test in the rescreening of Pap smears deemed as negative or normal by manual screening.
• Outside the US, especially in Europe, the PAPNET system has been used as a primary screening tool.
• NetMed's partner and licensor of the PAPNET technology, NSI, plans to apply for FDA approval for primary screening in the US later this year.

Statistics:

• Over 12,000 cervical smears were reviewed by both manual and PAPNET testing methods.
• PAPNET testing was found to be 2.5 times faster than manual screening.
• PAPNET testing was 99.9% accurate in detecting "true" negative smears.

Sources:

• "NetMed Announces Preliminary Clinical Data on PAPNET Screening Technology." Business Wire, 15 May 1998.
• 13th International Congress of Cytology, Tokyo.
• FDA Approval for PAPNET System (Supplemental Rescreening).