The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is expected to release guidance on the use of a new technique for analysis of cervical smears in England and Wales this month. Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is set to replace the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test as the primary means of processing cervical samples. The changeover will cost the NHS an estimated 10 million [pounds sterling] in England alone.

LBC is a new method of cell preparation. Samples are collected in the usual way, but using a brush-like device rather than a spatula. The head of the device is rinsed or ...