ABSTRACT
The “Pap” smear test has traditionally been used to screen women for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. During a typical working day cytology primary screeners visually examine approximately 32 slides, with most screeners working at a microscope for four or more hours. As early as 1942, Simmons et al found that sustained contractions of the ocular and neck muscles when using microscopes can cause headaches and stiffness of the neck. Traditionally the NHS Cervical Screening Programme has used the “Pap” smear test to screen for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. The way in which cervical cells are presented on the slide differs between the use of NHS Cervical Screening Programme (LBC) methods and the “Pap” test. It is proposed that LBC technology will have ergonomic implications for cytology primary screeners and due to them being susceptible to fatigue because of the established problems of repetition and static postures in the nature of their work.
