Abnormal readings are further classified as either low or high grade lesion. In the U.S., they have mainly been used for second screenings. In other countries, computerized Pap smears are used the first time around to increase patients access to the screening. If a Pap smear is abnormal, it is then looked at by a cytotechnologist. Not everyone agrees on the validity of the computerized Pap smear.
Some physicians maintain that the computerized version picks up more abnormal cells.
Others say that it is no different from having the slide reexamined by a human. Soon, the use of computerized Pap smears in this country could change. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recently decided to approve an application to allow AutoPap, a computerized Pap smear screening system, to be marketed to laboratories as a primary examiner of Pap smears. The other 75 percent would be viewed under a microscope by technicians. Physicians maintain that Pap smears do an excellent job of screening for the disease.