Section B: The Thinprep Imaging And Review Process - Hologic ThinPrep Operator's Manual

1
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NTRODUCTION
SECTION
THE THINPREP IMAGING AND REVIEW PROCESS
B
Imaging
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A prepared ThinPrep
identification camera reads the slide label ID and compares it against slide IDs already in the
computer database.
• If the slide ID is new, the slide is imaged.
• If the slide ID is already in the database, the software prompts for the slide to be reviewed.
• If the slide has already been reviewed, it may be reviewed again.
To ensure that the focus and light requirements for imaging are correct and will not be interrupted
during the scan, the system disables any manual stage, focus and illumination controls. The
instrument uses an LED light source to illuminate the optical path to image. The entire cell spot is
imaged in approximately 90 seconds. The system identifies objects of interest on the slide based on
integrated optical density. The coordinates of 22 of those objects are recorded and, with the slide ID,
are stored in the system database. (See Figure 1-3.)
Review
The device next behaves as an automated microscope, presenting the 22 fields of interest to the CT
(cytotechnologist) and providing additional slide review when suspect cells are found. This is
termed 'Auto Locate.' Manual control of the stage, focus and illumination is returned for the CT's
use. The instrument uses a white LED light source for illumination for slide review. The CT interacts
with the review controls both via substage hand controls and by the touch screen.
Each field of view is presented to the CT at 10X magnification. The nosepiece also has 4X and 40X
objectives, which the CT can switch manually. Before the next field of view can be presented, the
Integrated Imager senses if the 10X objective is engaged in the light path. If not, the system prompts
the CT to return the magnification to 10X. All 22 fields of view will be presented to the CT at 10X
magnification.
The object of interest is typically placed in the center of the field of view, however the CT
Note:
must screen the entire field of each of the 22 fields of view presented.
During slide review, the CT has the option to electronically mark an area for subsequent review and/
or physical marking. One or more electronic marks enforces a review of the entire cell spot. This is
termed 'Auto Scan.'
During Auto Scan review, the CT may add or delete electronic marks. Physical marking of these
areas on the slide coverslip with a pen is done manually by the CT.
The CT has the option to control the position of the stage manually, which provides complete
freedom to move any portion of the cell spot into the field of view for examination.
1.2
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ThinPrep Integrated Imager Operator's Manual
Pap Test microscope slide is loaded onto the stage of the device. A slide