HPV test, or rather HPV tests, were created thanks to molecular biology. Tests for the detection of HPV, i.e. Human papilloma virus, enable effective prevention of cervical cancer. When should I get an HPV test?

Contents:

  1. HPV test - what is it about
  2. HPV test - how to do it
  3. HPV test - how much does it cost?
  4. HPV test - who should do?

The HPV testthat is the test that detects the HPV virus (human papillomavirus) is the second test, apart from cytology, that should be performed by women, which of course does not mean that men are exempt from it, because HPV virus in men can cause cancer of the penis and anus.

Cytology is now the standard test that detects abnormal cells and early changes in the cervix. HPV tests go a step further: they check whether a woman is infected with HPV, some types of which can lead to the development of cervical cancer - if the result is positive, there is a risk that the cervix is ​​already precancerous.

If we know that we are infected with the human papilloma virus, i.e. HPV (Human papilloma virus), we can take preventive measures very early, and above all, carefully and systematically monitor our he alth.

HPV test - what is it about

Today, thanks to the PCR method (polymerase chain reaction), it is possible to detect the presence of HPV DNA and assess its oncogenicity (not all types of HPV are carcinogenic - it is now known that viruses are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases HPV 16 and 18).

The PCR technique used to quickly copy genetic material duplicates the selected DNA molecule. This is how HPV DNA is detected. Tests based on this method are very sensitive and reliable. There are different types of HPV tests. The most common are:

  • HPV DNA test , which detects 14 highly oncogenic types of HPV: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 , 66 and 68.
  • HPV mRNA test- detects five highly oncogenic HPV genotypes: 16, 18, 31, 33 and 45, which confirms the expression of viral oncogenes and the production of oncogenic proteins, directly indicating an increased risk development of neoplastic changes.

It's good to know that there are two modelsHPV DNA tests: genotyping (very detailed analysis result) and screening (general analysis result).

HPV genotyping allows you to detect several dozen types of HPV virus and determine the genotype of each of them: as a result of the test, each type of virus is described separately (some types of HPV tests allow you to additionally determine which of these types is high and which of low risk) .

Genotyping of HPV viruses allows to detect simultaneous infection with several types of HPV virus (and determine whether they are high or low-oncogenic viruses, which in turn gives the doctor a better opportunity to assess the risk of developing the disease), as well as chronic HPV infection.

Screening tests allow the detection of a smaller number of virus variants and are carried out in two stages: in the first stage, viral DNA fragments are detected, but without identifying them - only if the result is positive, the sample is subjected to another test in which it identifies itself virus type, but many laboratories limit such analysis to HPV 16 and HPV 18, which are responsible for the most cases of cervical cancer.

HPV test - how to do it

To perform the test, you will need a cervical smear, sometimes also the walls of the vagina and vulva. The material for the examination can be obtained from the gynecologist, e.g. during the cytology examination. The doctor has a transport kit in which the sample goes to the lab.

You can also buy a collection kit in a pharmacy or on the Internet and take it to your doctor or midwife who will take a sample for testing. Then we have to send the material to the lab. Men should also do the HPV test. In their case, it consists in taking a sample for examination from a sluggish groove.

HPV test - how much does it cost?

The price of the test depends on how many types of virus we are testing. If the two are the most oncogenic, the cost of the test is PLN 140, the test of 12 types - PLN 157, 14 types - PLN 247, 35 types - PLN 350.

HPV test - who should do?

Doctors say that all sexually active people should have an HPV test once a year. Recurrent, difficult to diagnose inflammation of the female genital tract and inflammation of the urethra and glans in men are a particular indication.

The test should be done before a planned pregnancy - in about 20 percent of women who have a miscarriage, papillomavirus is detected, while during childbirth it can be enough to infect the baby. It is also worth performing it in the presence of erosions and warts in the reproductive organ. Another indication for the HPV test is the use of hormonal contraception and IUD for several years, especially when it was accompanied by inflammation.

Report ontest

Are you over 30 years old, but under 59 years old, and in the last three years you have not used free cytology for prophylaxis? You can apply for a pilot test to help assess which of the two methods is more effective: Pap smear (which is now the diagnostic standard for cervical cancer) or molecular testing for high-risk human papillomavirus.

The pilot is carried out at the Cervical Cancer Prevention Clinic and the Gynecological Cytology Laboratory at the Cancer Prevention Center at the National Oncology Institute. Maria Skłodowskiej-Curie in cooperation with the Ministry of He alth and the National He alth Fund. Its purpose is to compare the effectiveness of both tests and select the most optimal one (which may result in a change in diagnostic standards and, consequently, a reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer).

As part of the examination, patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: in the first, cytology will be performed, and in the second - molecular testing for HPV. In the communication about the examination we read: "In the case of cytology, the procedure will be standard, as in the current prophylaxis program and depending on its result.

If an HPV HR test is performed and the result is positive, a Liquid Based Cytology will be performed from the same specimen without having to return to the test. Depending on the cytology result, further treatment will be scheduled.

However, in the case of a negative molecular test result, another test will be necessary only in 5 years, due to the high value of the HPV HR test in excluding the existence and risk of developing cervical cancer during this period (the so-called high predictive value of a negative result ).

After performing a given test, the patient will receive a printout of the result with information about further procedure. At each diagnostic stage, all patients will be provided with appropriate medical care. "

The study will be carried out in the years 2022-2021, initially only in Warsaw, later also in centers around the country participating in the Cervical Cancer Prevention Program. You can sign up for the examination at the Cervical Cancer Prevention Clinic of the National Institute of Oncology.

Category:

Research