BD Introduces New Liquid Based Cytology Technique To Enable Accurate Cervical Cancer Screening

BD Life Sciences-Diagnostic Systems, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, today announced the launch of BD SurePathTM 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 characterized by FDA standardized sample collection process, through ease of use, 100% of the collected sample is sent to the lab. Utilizing 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 SurePathTM 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. A scientific session with city’s leading Obstetricians /Gynecologist surgeons and pathologists was inaugurated at the campus by Smt Bharathi Reddy, Trustee & CEO Vijaya Group of Hospitals.

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.

Commenting that cervical cancer can be prevented by screening women systematically through organized population based programmes, Dr. A. Tamilselvi, Consultant Urogynaecologist & Obstetrician, Madras Medical Mission Hospital & Mangai Women’s Health Exclusive, Chennai said, “Liquid Based Cytology is a cervical cancer screening technique which ensures the early detection of precancerous changes of the cervix. This allows timely treatment of the changes and helps in prevention of cervical cancer. This technique is an advanced method of cervical cancer screening which enhances the chances of satisfactory smears, allows better clarity and lesser time in smear interpretation. It is an important step in prevention of cervical cancer and reduction of deaths due to the disease. We as healthcare professionals, are striving to ensure that an increasing number of women undergo screening tests so that the disease is diagnosed at the earliest.”

Pavan Mocherla, Managing Director, BD–India added, “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 SurePathTM Direct to Slide will be able to enhance the standard of patient care, representing the next milestone in cervical cancer screening.”

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in the country among women aged between 15 and 44 years. The importance of proactive and periodic screening stems from the fact that cervical cancer is a preventable and curable condition if detected in the asymptomatic stages. Unfortunately, in India there continues to be a major gap in the awareness levels in women regarding screening especially while still asymptomatic. This further results in delayed diagnosis when the cost of the treatment becomes exorbitant.


Hence it is critical to understand the advantages of screening and opt for appropriate testing methods.

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