IBMS calls for evidence-led implementation of AI-assisted digital cytology in cervical screening
The publication of new research in BMJ Open, led by IBMS Vice President Allan Wilson, provides new UK evidence demonstrating the potential for AI-assisted digital cytology to significantly reduce the time biomedical scientists spend reviewing cervical screening slides. The research estimates that, if replicated in NHS practice, digital cytology could reduce slide review and reporting time by around 69%, releasing specialist capacity for complex case review, quality assurance, training and improving service resilience.
Building on this new evidence, the IBMS position paper concludes that the conversation should now move beyond whether digital cytology has potential, to how it can be introduced safely, consistently and effectively across NHS services.
While recognising the opportunities presented by AI-assisted technologies, the IBMS stresses that patient safety and professional oversight must remain paramount. The IBMS recommendations include:
- A clear, time-bound route from evidence assessment to controlled NHS implementation.
- Independent evaluation across different NHS laboratory settings.
- National standards for quality assurance, governance and workforce training.
- Sustainable funding for the full implementation of digital services.
- Continued professional accountability, with AI supporting—not replacing—the expertise of biomedical scientists.
David Wells, IBMS Chief Executive, said:
This important new research provides valuable evidence that AI-assisted digital cytology has the potential to strengthen NHS cervical screening services by supporting our highly skilled workforce and improving service resilience.
The IBMS believes the evidence now supports moving into carefully controlled NHS implementation and evaluation. However, adoption must remain evidence-led, provider-neutral and centred on patient safety. AI should enhance professional practice, not replace the expertise and judgement of biomedical scientists.
The position paper also highlights the wider challenges facing cervical screening services, including workforce shortages, increasing service pressures and the need for investment in digital infrastructure. It emphasises that technology alone is not the solution and that successful implementation must be accompanied by robust governance, interoperable systems, workforce planning and continued audit.
The IBMS has a longstanding interest in advancing digital cytology and first examined its potential in a 2024 evidence review. Since then, new workforce data, the publication of the BMJ Open modelling study and recommendations from the Pathology Transformation Review 2026 have strengthened the evidence base for moving towards controlled implementation.
While the published research evaluated a specific AI-assisted digital cytology system, the IBMS makes clear that any future adoption should be based on common clinical, operational and quality standards, with all technologies assessed against the same rigorous evidence requirements.
The new IBMS position paper, Digital cytology in cervical screening: from evidence to implementation, sets out a framework for how AI-assisted digital cytology can be introduced safely, transparently and consistently across NHS cervical screening programmes while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.
Resources
IBMS Statement on digital cytology in cervical screening
