Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide and remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Although it is a global health concern, cervical cancer is highly treatable with a high cure rate if detected in its early stages.

 

It is also largely preventable through regular check-ups that enable early detection and management of HPV infections. Initiating treatment before the disease progresses to cancer can significantly reduce mortality rates. As part of global efforts to lower the incidence of cervical cancer, NOUL is developing miLab™ CER, an AI-based cervical cell screening system, to bring innovation to cervical cancer diagnostics.

 

 

ICC 2025: Gathering of Global Cytology Experts

Source: NOUL

 

NOUL participated as a presenter at the International Congress of Cytology (ICC), held in Florence, Italy, from May 11 to 15, 2025, where we shared the latest research findings on the miLab™ CER system on-site.

 

ICC is a highly reputable international conference in the field of cytology, organized by the International Academy of Cytology (IAC), one of the foremost authorities in education, research, and standard-setting within the field. For many years, it has served as a vital platform where cytology experts from around the world gather annually to share the latest research findings and knowledge, contributing to the advancement of the discipline through high-level presentations, workshops, and lectures.

 

All research presented at the conference undergoes rigorous review, offering valuable insights into emerging diagnostic technologies and clinical applications. NOUL showcased its AI-driven, point-of-care cervical cell screening system—poised to bring innovation to the field of cytology—and engaged with global experts to discuss its advanced technology.

 

 

Presentation of NOUL’s Innovative Research at ICC 2025

Source: NOUL

 

At ICC 2025, NOUL announced clinical results demonstrating the AI analysis performance of the miLab™ CER system. The initial results showed 98% sensitivity and 63% specificity. Following expert reclassification based on the Bethesda system standard for detecting ASCUS or higher-grade lesions, the system achieved improved performance with 90% sensitivity and 96% specificity.

 

The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the performance of NOUL’s on-device AI analysis in the miLab™ CER. The objective was to determine whether NOUL’s AI could accurately interpret cervical cell slides at an expert level, using 120 clinical samples. The AI embedded in the device automatically analyzed the cells, and its results were reviewed by experienced cytologists and compared with digitally imaged slides prepared by the miLab™ system. All slides were stained and imaged using NOUL’s miLab™ platform. To establish the ground truth (GT), two cytologists—each with over 10 years of experience—independently reviewed the slide images. When both experts’ interpretations matched, their consensus was used as the reference standard for evaluating the AI’s performance.

 

miLab™ ‘s AI generated results based on a 3-class classification system(Negative for Intraepithelial Lesion or Malignancy (NILM), low-risk lesions, and high-risk lesions). The accuracy was assessed by comparing the AI’s classification results with the ground truth (GT).

 

Read the full article for more details.

 

 

On-site Reaction to NOUL miLab™ CER

Source: NOUL

 

ICC 2025, gathering cytopathology experts from around the world, was a place where various stakeholders shared meaningful insights. miLab™ CER, which screens cervical cells based on AI technology, particularly captured the attention of global cytologists.

 

NOUL showcased miLab™ device and its result viewer at ICC, allowing participants to experience the system. Global experts who visited the booth shared insights into their respective diagnostic environments and needs, offering valuable feedback on the potential of miLab™.

 

Participants showed particular interest in the system’s automation capabilities and AI-based analysis. By fully automating the entire diagnostic workflow—from sample preparation to analysis and reporting—in a portable device, and delivering accurate results quickly through a high-resolution viewer, NOUL’s miLab™ is expected to play a key role in transforming the diagnostic industry.

 

 

NOUL’s Innovative Technology: Maximizing Diagnostic Efficiency

blood staining, blood smearing, solid-based staining, staining technology

Source: NOUL

 

NOUL has successfully automated the complex staining process by developing the hydrogel staining technique (NGSI-Next Generation Staining and Immunostaining), replacing the liquid staining method that has been in use for over 100 years.

 

This unique hydrogel staining technique operates without the pumps, tubing, or reagents required in traditional liquid staining, enabling both device miniaturization and resource savings. Notably, since it uses no liquids, no wastewater is generated during the staining process, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly solution.

 

Furthermore, NOUL has developed proprietary artificial intelligence optimized for the miLab™ platform. The high-performance AI embedded in the device automatically detects and classifies abnormal cells, enabling users to obtain consistent, high-quality analysis results in any medical environment without the need for separate optimization. The auto-focusing digital microscope captures high-resolution images for precise cell visualization. These high-quality images can be transmitted remotely to experts, facilitating consultation even in medical settings that lack specialized personnel.

 

 

The Positive Impact of the Innovation-Driven miLab™ CER on Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

cervical cell, cervical cancer, cervical cell screening, cervical cancer diagnostic, cervical cell analysis

Source: NOUL

 

miLab™ CER applies NOUL’s hydrogel staining method to cervical cell samples prepared via liquid-based cytology (LBC) and uses on-device AI to classify the cells and support diagnostic decision-making. The device enhances diagnostic efficiency and delivers highly reliable results, leading to its recommendation as one of the global top three cervical cytology solutions—alongside Roche and Hologic—in the 2024 WHO-UNITAID report. In cervical cancer diagnostics—which typically requires substantial resources and skilled professionals—miLab™ CER, the world’s first compact all-in-one platform for cervical cell analysis, aims to enhance accessibility and diagnostic efficiency, address critical challenges and healthcare disparities, and establish itself as the optimal global solution.

 

[miLab™ CER Key Features]

  • AI automatically detects and classifies abnormal cells, establishing a highly efficient diagnostic environment.
  • The automated process provides reliable cervical cancer diagnostic support, even in environments with limited access to specialized personnel.
  • Users can autonomously reclassify images, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy.
  • Results can be reviewed on the same day, enabling immediate treatment decisions.

 

ICC 2025 provided a meaningful opportunity to gain insights into the cervical cancer medical landscape and understand the concerns of key stakeholders. It also allowed NOUL to reflect on the innovative solutions it can contribute to the future of diagnostic medicine, marking a significant achievement.

 

cervical cancer, cervical cancer diagnosis

Source: Shutterstock

 

Currently, miLab™ CER is entering the European and South American markets, with plans to expand cervical cancer screening accessibility to even more countries. To meet the growing demand for cervical cancer screening, miLab™ CER will support rapid and efficient diagnosis, positioning itself as the optimal solution to help more women benefit from these services.

 

Building on the research achievements presented at ICC, NOUL will continue to contribute to improving the cervical cancer diagnostic landscape and addressing global healthcare disparities through ongoing research and innovation. For more detailed information about the miLab™ CER introduced today, please visit the link.