The Central Alentejo Local Health Unit (ULSAC) in Portugal has become the first public institution in the country to implement the Genius Digital Diagnostics System, an artificial intelligence-powered technology designed to improve cervical cancer screening. This advancement offers a promising step toward earlier detection and more effective treatment of a disease that affects women worldwide.
Developed by Hologic, the system integrates artificial intelligence algorithms and high-resolution image analysis to enhance the identification of precancerous and cancerous lesions. The technology aims to increase the accuracy and speed of diagnoses through digital analysis of gynecological cytology exams.
Digital System Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy
According to Carlos Quintana, Director of the Pathological Anatomy Service at ULSAC, this innovation represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery for the region. “This innovation is a milestone in the provision of care to the Alentejo population,” he stated.
Quintana explained that the new system will ensure screening coverage throughout the Alentejo region by utilizing genotyping as a primary test, followed by cytology when indicated. This approach allows for a more targeted and efficient screening process.
The technology enables the identification of higher-risk situations more quickly and accurately, contributing to improved quality and safety in the diagnostic process.
Technology Complements Professionals’ Clinical Analysis
With the introduction of the Genius system, the diagnostic process now includes a digital image analysis environment. In this environment, artificial intelligence highlights suspicious areas for review by cytotechnicians and specialists. This collaborative approach leverages the strengths of both AI and human expertise.
This method does not replace the clinical evaluation of healthcare professionals, but rather reinforces their ability to detect and validate analyses. The system is designed to be a supportive tool, enhancing rather than replacing existing expertise.
The advantages include more consistent diagnoses, increased workflow efficiency, and improved traceability of the process, as all steps are digitally monitored.
Investment in Cervical Cancer Prevention
Marta Barbosa, the Coordinating Technician of the Pathological Anatomy Service at ULSAC, believes that implementing this technology represents a step toward modernizing cytological diagnostics and strengthening the quality of screening. “With this new system, we ensure screening of the entire Alentejo region using genotyping as the primary test, followed by cytology in indicated cases,” she said.
According to Barbosa, the system ensures greater standardization of procedures and equal access to screening for women in the region.
Call to Participate in Screening
ULSAC highlighted this technological advancement in conjunction with International HPV Awareness Day, observed on March 4th. This timing underscores the importance of raising awareness about HPV and its link to cervical cancer.
The health unit emphasizes that vaccination against HPV, combined with regular screening, remains one of the most effective strategies for preventing cervical cancer and reducing mortality associated with the disease. The findings reinforce the importance of preventative measures in combating this prevalent cancer.
