HR HPV Reflex to LBC
HR HPV Reflex to LBC
Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated in over 99% of cervical cancers worldwide, with two high-risk HPV strains(16 and 18) remaining the cause of at least 70% of cervical cancers and pre-cancerous cervical lesions. For comprehensive screening of women aged 30 to 65 for cervical abnormalities and other HPV infections, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a combined approach using liquid-based cytology (LBC) and HPV-reflex (DNA detection and genotyping).
This HPV-reflex to LBC test utilizes advanced screening techniques to identify high-risk HPV strains or minor cervical abnormalities early and institute timely and effective interventions to avoid cervical cancer development. This screening approach enables doctors to provide a more targeted and effective management of cervical health in women within the recommended age range.
What is HR HPV Reflex to LBC Used For?
HR HPV Reflex to LBC is used
To identify women with progressing HPV infections or precancer
To determine HPV genotypes associated with the development of cancer
To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for cervical abnormalities
Symptoms of High-Risk HPV infection:
People with high-risk HPV will never show any signs of the infection until it’s progressed to the precancer and cancer stage. Depending on the location, the symptoms may include
Lumps and bumps in and around the anus, genitals, mouth, throat, hands, and feet
changes in color/thickness of the skin of the genitals
Bleeding from the vagina during sex
Weight loss
Unexplained persistent pain in the back or pelvis
Menstrual bleeding that is longer than usual
Pain during sex
Which tests are Included in HR HPV Reflex to LBC?
As the name suggests, HR HPV Reflex to LBC consists of two tests:
- Pap smear by LBC/ Liquid-based cytology (LBC): Also referred to as single-layer cytology and thin-layer cytology, LBC is a modern technique for preparing cervical smears using a liquid medium for cytological examination. Unlike the traditional Pap test, LBC is less invasive and offers greater accuracy in identifying women with an increased risk of developing HPV cervical cancer and precancer lesions.
The advantages of LBC include faster fixation and equal distribution of cervical cells with significantly lower irregularities on the smear background.
· HPV Reflex DNA test by Real-time PCR: It is a standard laboratory test used in conjunction with the LBC test to identify cervical HPV infections caused by genotypes 16 and 18. This test uses real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to assess low-grade cytological abnormalities (ASC-US or LSIL) in LBC smear cells by amplifying and identifying HPV DNA.
If a high-risk HPV is detected, the patient is usually referred for colposcopy. If no HPV DNA or low-risk HPV DNA is detected, an LBC cytology test plus an HPV DNA reflex test (cotest) is repeated at 5-year intervals.
Preparation for Test
Avoid using tampons, vaginal douches, vaginal medicines, contraceptive (spermicidal) creams, foams, gels, or engaging in sexual intercourse for 48 hours before taking the HR HPV Reflex to LBC test as they interfere with the cervical sampling and may affect the test results.
Interpretation of Test Results
The HPV test results are given as negative or positive with the following interpretations:
Positive results
This report suggests the presence of detectable HPV DNA or cytological abnormalities in the cervical sample, which means that you have a high-risk type of HPV infection but not necessarily cancer at the time of testing. You may still need follow-up testing to trace the signs of cancer that would develop later.
Negative results
It means that HPV was not found or that no cytological abnormalities were detected in cervical cells. Repeat testing is required after 5 years.
FAQs
Will I get cancer if I have positive results with HR HPV Reflex to LBC test?
Although HPV causes cervical cancer, not everyone infected with HR-HPV eventually ends up with cancer of the cervix. However, if you are into activities that could affect your immune system, the possibility of HPV infection progressing to cervical cancer increases.
What factors can influence the HR-HPV Reflex to LBC test results?
Using tampoons, spermicides, or even having sex right before the test can make it difficult to spot HPV-positive cervical cells, affecting the test results.
Is the HR-HPV Reflex to LBC test performed during pregnancy?
The HR-HPV Reflex to LBC test is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, it is only performed if you are experiencing symptoms of cervical cancer or if there are visual abnormalities of the cervix in the first ten weeks of pregnancy. For pregnancies over ten weeks, decisions regarding the test are made usually based on individual circumstances.
If I am 65 years and older, do I need cervical screening?
If you are 65 or older and have no history of cervical abnormalities and two negative HR-HPV Reflex to LBC co-test results in a row during the last ten years, you do not need screening, according to ACOG guidelines. The most recent test should have been performed over the previous five years.
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics