Definition

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that causes sexually transmitted disease (STD). Most sexually active people who did not receive HPV vaccine will eventually be infected with HPV at some point of their life.

The test can identify high-risk strain or low-risk strain HPV. If the high-risk strain virus remains in the body for a long period of time, it can cause cervical cancer and is also link to oropharyngeal cancer. 

The purpose of this test is for cervical cancer screening, follow up after an abnormal pap smear, oropharyngeal cancer treatment planning. 

Indications

History of abnormal pap smears, HIV, women exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy, weakened immune system.

Preparations

Avoid sexual intercourse, douching, vaginal medications, spermicidal foams, creams or jellies 2 days prior to a pap smear test. This may wash away the abnormal cells, interfering with the result. Try avoiding HPV DNA Genotyping during your menstrual period as well. 

Procedure

You will be lying down on the exam table with your knees bent. The doctor will gently insert a speculum into your vagina; a speculum holds the wall of your vagina apart to get a clear view of the cervix. This process may be uncomfortable. A HPV test requires sample of cells from the cervix, so these cells are obtained by gently scraping the cervix with a swab or a small brush.

Results

High-risk HPV: There are 14 strains of high-risk HPV, not all can cause cancer. Our HPV DNA Genotyping is able to distinguish between all the strains. Certain strains can cause cancer.

Low-risk HPV: This group is rarely linked with cancer; mostly they do not cause disease. However, certain low-risk HPV strains can cause warts on the genitals and anus or even in the mouth or throat.

Definition 

A pap smear is a common test performed on females to screen for cervical cancer. The cells will be collected from the cervix (cylinder-shaped neck of tissue that connects the vagina and uterus). Cell changes that are suggestive of cancer will be detected. Early detection of cervical cancer yields a higher change at curing it. 

Pap smear can be done with human papillomavirus (HPV) test; the test detects the virus that causes cervical cancer. 

Preparations

Avoid sexual intercourse, douching, vaginal medications, spermicidal foams, creams or jellies 2 days prior to a pap smear test. This may wash away the abnormal cells, interfering with the result. Try avoiding pap smear during your menstrual period as well. 

Procedure

You will be lying down on the exam table with your knees bent. The doctor will gently insert a speculum into your vagina; a speculum holds the wall of your vagina apart to get a clear view of the cervix. This process may be uncomfortable. The doctor will then take samples of your cervical cells using a soft brush and a flat scraping device called a spatula. 

After the pap smear, you may resume your daily activities. 

Results

Normal cells or abnormal cells. If the result is abnormal cells, patients will be advised to proceed to HPV DNA Genotyping test, or usually be done together.