CMFT adopts ZedScan system to improve cervical cancer care

DP Medical Systems Ltd has secured a deal with Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT) to adopt ZedScan™ as part of its cervical cancer care pathway.

The ZedScan system adopted by Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT)

The Trust has introduced ZedScan into the Gynaecology department at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester - a centre of excellence in the field of gynaecological oncology, uro-gynaecology and reproductive medicine.

ZedScan™ can measure and detect tissue changes in women identified with an abnormal smear test.

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.

It means appropriate treatment can offered immediately to women identified with severe abnormalities or reassurance swiftly provided to patients with no evidence of disease, whilst also reducing the number of biopsies required.

ZedScan, 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.

The system is also currently undergoing evaluation at hospital sites through the country, many of which are being led by key opinion leaders from the field of gynaecology and obstetrics.

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.

The system, which comprises of a handheld device, software and disposable sensors, was developed by Manchester-based Zilico Ltd.

ZedScan utilises 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.

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, reliable and reproducible detection and diagnosis of disease.

Rob Atkinson, Sales Director for DP Medical Systems, the distributor for ZedScan in Great Britain, 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.