UK NSC consulting on whether providers can safely use digital pathology as an alternative to light microscopy in examination of NHS cancer screening samples.
This consultation closes at 5pm on 15 September 2023
Consultation description
Digital pathology (DP) enables glass histopathology slides to be reviewed digitally, rather than with a microscope. A Health Technology Assessment study found DP performs as well as light microscopy in cancer screening. The study focused on breast and bowel cancer, but expert stakeholders are confident its findings are also likely to be robust for cervix histopathology.
The UK NSC did not carry out a cost effectiveness exercise, so we are consulting stakeholders on the recommendation, based on the HTA study, to allow the use of DP in cancer screening, excluding cytology, as an alternative to light microscopy. See cover sheet, study findings and 2021 evidence review in the link below.
You can find full information and how to respond here.
