Recent developments in cervical cancer control.

The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene's Cytology Program has contributed to the success of the Pap smear in substantially decreasing the number of cervical cancers in the United States. In addition to providing testing services to the Cervical Cancer Control Program of Wisconsin, the Department of Health and Family Services, and Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) maintains one of the largest schools of cytotechnology in the United States, which helps train individuals into a profession experiencing severe shortages. The Cytology Program has actively evaluated the new liquid-based testing technology to provide data to improve laboratory performance. Staff at the WSLH have participated in the evolution of cytopathology by serving on governmental committees and on professional cytopathology organizations. The WSLH Cytology Program is now evaluating the role of molecular technology, including human papilloma virus testing, to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancers.