Central Manchester NHS Trust adopts ZedScan for cervical cancer detection

Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT) adopts Zilico’s ZedScan as part of its cervical cancer care pathway

CMFT has introduced ZedScan into the gynaecology department at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester as the device can measure and detect tissue changes in women identified with an abnormal smear test.

ZedScan comprises of a handheld device, software and disposable sensors.

The system offers real-time and more accurate detection of pre-cancerous cells than standard colposcopy, enabling clinicians to make better-informed decisions at a patient’s first visit according to DP Medical Systems, the distributor of ZedScan in the UK.

The ZedScan device, which is available to hospital trusts through a number of purchasing routes including the NHS Supply Chain, was the subject of a Medtech Innovation Briefing published by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in 2014.

Dr Ursula Winters, consultant gynaecologist and lead consultant for colposcopy at Saint Mary’s, said: “The introduction of ZedScan will provide us with the ability to assess women presenting with abnormal cervical smears more quickly and accurately.

“Having access to the latest in advanced diagnostic technologies such as ZedScan means we can offer our patients efficient and rapid access to appropriate treatments when they need them.”

ZedScan uses Zilico’s patented Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) technology to improve the ability to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) following an abnormal cytology result, increasing diagnostic accuracy according to DP Medical.

EIS exploits the different electrical resistivity associated with the cellular structure of normal, pre-cancerous and cancerous tissue, which based on its applicability to other types of neoplasia, substantiates its use as a platform for the rapid and reproducible detection and diagnosis of disease.

Rob Atkinson, sales director for DP Medical, said: “CMFT is a centre of excellence in the field of gynaecology, so we’re delighted that they felt it was important to include ZedScan as part of the Trust’s service.

“With ZedScan’s better clinical outcomes and economic benefits, we are working with other  NHS Trusts throughout the country to adopt ZedScan in to their cervical cancer care pathway.”