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Improving laboratory workforce efficiency using AI-assisted digital cytology within an HPV-based cervical screening
Allan Wilson1, Alison Cropper2, Yixuan Ma3
1Pathology Department, Monklands Hospital, Lanarkshire, UK.
BMJ Open
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted digital cytology significantly reduces review time for cervical screening slides. This AI approach can improve efficiency in Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-primary screening programs, addressing potential workforce shortages.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Digital Pathology
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Cervical cancer screening programs increasingly utilize Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing as the primary screening method.
- Cytology plays a crucial role in triaging patients with positive HPV tests.
- Efficient and accurate slide review is essential for the timely diagnosis and management of cervical abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the time required for reviewing and reporting cervical cytology slides within an HPV-primary screening program.
- To compare the efficiency of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted digital cytology with manual microscopy for slide analysis.
- To assess the potential impact of AI on laboratory workflow productivity and resource allocation.
Main Methods:
- Development of a decision-tree model simulating the workflow of cervical cytology slides in the NHS England laboratory.
- Parameterization of the model using published evidence and expert input.
- Estimation of staff hours and time per slide for both AI-assisted digital cytology and manual microscopy.
Main Results:
- Annual screening and reporting of 479,125 cytology slides in England was estimated to require 31,842 staff hours with AI-assisted digital cytology, compared to 103,151 hours with manual microscopy.
- The mean time per slide review and reporting was significantly reduced from 12.9 minutes with manual microscopy to 4.0 minutes with AI-assisted digital cytology.
- This represents a potential 69% increase in overall productivity for cervical cytology slide analysis.
Conclusions:
- AI-assisted digital cytology offers a substantial reduction in staff time for cervical slide review and reporting.
- Implementation of AI in cervical screening programs can enhance resilience and support healthcare systems facing workforce challenges.
- These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers considering strategies to optimize cervical cancer screening and address laboratory resource limitations.