Cervical screening in the 21st century: the case for human papillomavirus testing of self-collected specimens.
Cervical screening by Pap smear involves a high rate of false negatives, necessitating frequent testing. Because women do not like the sampling procedure, many avoid being screened. Testing for the causative high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types, by PCR or other technologies, on self-collected (tampon) samples permits women to be monitored non-invasively. The high negative predictive value of HPV testing means a greater interval between tests, and thus reduces costs. HPV testing lends itself to primary screening. A kit for self-collection and return to a testing laboratory, followed by practitioner notification and follow-up if required, should result in wider participation. The higher accuracy of HPV testing should lead to improved cervical cancer prevention.
Morris
Brian J
BJ
Basic and Clinical Genomics Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. brianm@medsci.usyd.edu.au
Rose
Barbara R
BR
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016353:Self-Examination; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*