Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Screening is to check for a high-risk HPV infection in women. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Like a Pap Smear Test, HPV test is done on a sample of cells collected from the cervix.
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.
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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.Â
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The purpose of this test is for cervical cancer screening, follow up after an abnormal pap smear, oropharyngeal cancer treatment planning.Â
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Indications
History of abnormal pap smears, HIV, women exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy, weakened immune systemÂ
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 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.Â
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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.
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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.
DefinitionÂ
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.Â
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Pap smear can be done with human papillomavirus (HPV) test; the test detects the virus that causes cervical cancer.Â
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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.Â
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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.Â
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After the pap smear, you may resume your daily activities.Â
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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.Â
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