Is the Pap test outdated?

Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is a screening test for cervical (squamous) carcinoma with diagnosis based on qualitative features of the stained cells. Quantitative tests would minimize subjective errors associated with the qualitative criteria of the Pap test and can be more easily automated. Between 1965 and 1969 while Director of the Winnipeg Clinic Research Institute Laboratory, I developed a quantitative Pap test using DNA cytophotometry (refer to the publication in Acta. Cytol. 13:583-594.1969.). However, it would appear that current Cancer Care programs have overlooked this publication and are still recommending qualitative / subjective Pap tests in their screening programs.