Source BioScience agrees cervical cancer screening deal with NHS trust

Source BioScience has announced that the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has signed an agreement to deploy its automated cervical cancer screening technology BD FocalPoint.

The 400,000 pound arrangement means Pennine Acute becomes the second NHS trust to adopt the innovative technology and the first in England, with Cervical Screening Wales agreeing a new contract in December 2011.

BD FocalPoint is the only automated technology for cervical cancer screening approved for use by the NHS and is able to analyse up to a quarter of screening samples designated for no further review.

It will help to significantly reduce laboratory workloads, which in turn will minimise the need for additional staff and outsourcing.

Dr Nick Ash, chief executive officer at Source BioScience, said: "The commitment to the BD FocalPoint system by a second NHS Trust demonstrates the confidence there is in this technology."

Last month, the company announced that it will be purchasing the site of its current business and head office premises in Nottingham, in lieu of continuing its present leasing arrangement.