Cytyc ThinPrep 2000 Preparation System advances non-gynecologic cytology diagnosis and cost effectiveness; Newly introduced ThinPrep 2000 processor sets new standard for cytology diagnosis.

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 4, 1995--The recent introduction of the ThinPrep 2000 Automated Cytology Preparation System from Cytyc Corp. has advanced the diagnostic capability of the cytology laboratory by providing improved specimen preparation that enhances the ability of the cytopathologists to detect precancerous cellular changes, true malignancy and infectious disease.

The ThinPrep 2000 System automates and optimizes slide preparation, producing an unusually clear view of human cells that contributes to diagnostic confidence.

According to Martha Hutchinson, Ph.D., M.D., Director of Cytopathology at the New England Medical Center Hospital in Boston, Mass., "Until the ThinPrep System was introduced, cytology had remained virtually unchanged for the past 50 years. I believe that the ThinPrep technology has revolutionized current practice and the way we're going to practice cytology in the future. It dramatically improves the presentation of the cells and the cell harvest, which means we can be more confident in our diagnosis."

"The ThinPrep 2000 significantly increases diagnostic capability, by providing cytotechnologists and pathologists with the quality preparation needed to make a confident diagnosis. Its speed, reliability and ease of use often makes it possible for pathologists to accurately detect disease from small tissue samples, thus eliminating the need of more invasive and often more costly diagnostic procedures," explains Patrick Sullivan, Cytyc's president.

Cytopathology, the microscopic study of exfoliated cells, is employed in the detection and evaluation of a wide variety of cancers. Cytopathologists and their technical counterparts, cytotechnologists, examine and evaluate specimens of virtually all organs and tissues to determine the nature of the disease process by closely investigating and interpreting changes in cellular morphology.

Cellular material collected from a patient is concentrated in glass microscope slides and the cells are stained to enhance their morphologic features. The cytotechnologist and cytopathologist review these specimens microscopically to detect subtle changes reflective of an early disease process.

Conventional slide preparation methods utilizing manual "smearing" techniques or cytocentrifugation can cause inherent inconsistencies in the processing and preparation of the slides. Important cellular material is often lost or missed and the presence of other artifacts and impurities such as air drying of cells, excessive blood, mucous or protein may obscure cellular clarity, making it difficult or impossible to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. These unsatisfactory preparations prevent a diagnosis from being made, resulting in additional costs for patient recall and retesting.

The automated ThinPrep 2000 System has been designed to eliminate the inconsistencies that are inherent in the conventional manual preparation methods. This unique technology ensures slide to slide uniformity for complete laboratory quality control. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated a significant reduction in cases that are unsatisfactory for evaluation when the ThinPrep 2000 System is employed.

According to David Kaminsky, M.D., of the Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif., "We feel that the ThinPrep method is definitely more cost effective and expedient. Because of the reduction in the number of slides required for analysis and because of the optimal presentation of cells, screening time is reduced and the quality of the final screening product is enhanced." -0-

(Photography illustrating the microscopic benefits of ThinPrep preparations are available upon request.)

Part No. 85122-001 Rev. A.

CONTACT: Cytyc Corp.

Dan Levangie/Annette Marshall

800/442-9892