BD SurePath Direct to Slide is a unique LBC technique that will offer availability of residual sample for conducting important additional follow up tests without the need for repeat sampling
BD Life Sciences-Diagnostic Systems, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), announced the launch of BD SurePath Direct to Slide. It is a Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) test intended to be used for screening and detection of cervical cancer, pre-cancerous lesions, atypical cells and all other cytologic categories. Offering a complete LBC solution and characterised by FDA standardised sample collection process, through ease of use, 100 per cent of the collected sample is sent to the lab. Utilising BD’s proprietary cell enrichment technique, BD SurePath Direct to Slide improved slide quality, whilst accommodating the requirements of labs with lower volume testing. BD SurePath Direct to Slide is a unique LBC technique that will offer availability of residual sample for conducting important additional follow up tests without the need for repeat sampling.
Commenting that cervical cancer can be prevented by screening women systematically through organised population based programmes, Dr Minaxi Desai- Ex Director, Manchester Cytology Centre, Manchester Royal Infirmary, UK added, “Given that cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women in India, it is a time that screening should become a part of their routine health check-up. Women undergoing screening should opt for LBC as a screening test since it has demonstrated ability to detect abnormal cells at the initial stages of precancer thus, preventing cervical cancer from progressing and ensuring cure which detected and treated early enough. LBC also offers the advantage of higher accuracy, shorter screening time and subsequent molecular studies on the same sample.”
Pavan Mocherla, MD, BD–India said, “Early detection of cervical cancer and its malignant precursors is imperative for survival. BD’s cancer diagnostic capabilities focus on improving health outcomes for patients by providing laboratories with solutions that improve quality, enhance laboratory system productivity and inform medical decisions. In India where women’s health is a priority, we are glad that BD SurePath DTS will be able to enhance the standard of patient care, representing the next milestone in cervical cancer screening.”
Traditionally, conventional pap smear, a simple and quick test has been the mainstay for cervical cancer screening. However, this method has limitations in preparation technique and its ability to detect every abnormality, hence the need to move towards a better and efficient technique. As innovation and research continues in battling the increasing burden of cervical cancer, new technologies such as Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) have emerged as superior screening methods.
Dr Jaideep Malhotra, President-FOGSI 2018 also added, “Liquid based cytology significantly increases the detection rate of cervical cancer compared to conventional PAP even at initial stages. Access to LBC so far has been limited to highly sophisticated lab settings so far. With the launch of DTS-a simplified LBC solution from BD today, access to quality cervical cancer screening will increase and we recommend that an early diagnosis through screening by LBC can significantly enhance the chances of timely and successful treatment.”