To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the process of liquid based cytology has now been implemented by all 142 laboratories that process cervical screening. (177415)

As of November 2007, 88 per cent. of laboratories that process cervical screening samples in England had converted to liquid based cytology (LBC).

All primary care trusts have indicated that they will have introduced LBC by October 2008, in line with National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence and departmental guidance.

The number of inadequate tests has fallen from 9 per cent. in 2004-05 to 4.7 per cent. in 2006-07 as a direct result of the continued roll-out of LBC.