Test	Goals	Advantages	Disadvantages
Liquid-based/thin-layer preparations (e.g., ThinPrep, AutoCyte Prep)	Improve the quality of the Pap smear Decrease unsatisfactory Pap smears Increase detection of cancer precursors	High-quality smear for review Improved transfer of cells from collection device Residual material may be used for HPV testing	Cost Increased detection of low-grade lesions in initial studies* Retraining of cytotechnologists
Computer-assisted screening (AutoCyte Screen)	Improve Pap smear interpretation Increase laboratory productivity Increase detection of cancer precursors	Increase cytotechnologist productivity May decrease false-negative reports	Cost From studies on PAPNET, increased detection of low-grade lesion*
HPV testing (e.g., Hybrid Capture II)	Potential use in triage of patients with ASCUS or noncorrelating colposcopy	Detect presence of high-risk HPV types	Cost ASCUS/LSIL Triage Study Group indicated lack of utility for LSIL Studies on ASCUS are ongoing