A new artificial intelligence blood test being trialled by the NHS could spare thousands of women from painful cervical cancer examinations, according to experts. The test, which uses machine learning to analyse blood samples, is designed to detect the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and early signs of cervical cancer without the need for a speculum exam.
How the AI Blood Test Works
The blood test works by identifying specific DNA methylation patterns associated with HPV and cervical cancer. Researchers at Queen Mary University of London developed the algorithm, which was trained on thousands of samples. In a pilot study involving 1,200 women, the AI test correctly identified 98% of those with high-risk HPV and 95% of those with pre-cancerous lesions.
Impact on Women's Health
Dr. Anita Sharma, a consultant gynaecologist involved in the trial, said: "This could be a game-changer for women who avoid screening due to fear or discomfort. It is accurate, non-invasive, and could be done at a GP surgery or even at home." Currently, around one in four women in England do not attend cervical screening due to embarrassment or pain, according to NHS Digital.
NHS Rollout Plans
The NHS plans to roll out the test in 10 hospitals across England from September 2026, with the aim of making it available nationally within two years. If successful, it could reduce the number of colposcopies—invasive examinations of the cervix—by up to 30%, saving the NHS an estimated £15 million annually.
Expert Reactions
Professor Jane Smith, an oncologist at the University of Cambridge, said: "This is a significant step forward. The AI approach not only improves patient experience but also enhances detection rates, potentially saving more lives." Cervical cancer kills around 850 women in the UK each year, and early detection is critical to survival.
