Triage with human papillomavirus testing of women with cytologic abnormalities prompting referral for colposcopy assessment.
BACKGROUND
The current study was conducted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of triaging for colposcopy using human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.


METHODS
HPV tests were performed in a consecutive series of women who were referred for colposcopy for persistent atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS)-favor reactive (n = 35 women), ASCUS-favor squamous epithelial lesion (n = 164 women), atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (n = 74 women), low-grade squamous epithelial lesion (n = 161 women), or high-grade squamous epithelial lesion (n = 78 women). The cost effectiveness of triaging women with ASCUS results using HPV testing was determined compared with the current protocol.


RESULTS
The sensitivity of HPV testing for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia > Grade 2 was very high. Cost analysis showed a moderate increase in cost with the addition of HPV triage.


CONCLUSIONS
Because HPV testing is highly sensitive, it may be useful as an alternative to the current policy of 6-month repeat cytology for women with ASCUS.
Carozzi
Francesca Maria
FM
Analytical and Biomolecular Cytology Unit, Centro per lo Studio e la Prevenzionc Oncologica, Florence, Italy.
Confortini
Massimo
M
Cecchini
Silvia
S
Bisanzi
Simonetta
S
Cariaggi
Maria Paola
MP
Pontenani
Giovanni
G
Raspollini
Maria Rosaria
MR
Sani
Cristina
C
Zappa
Marco
M
Ciatto
Stefano
S
D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000473:pathology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003127:Colposcopy; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology*