HPV DNA test
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Related to HPV DNA test: colposcopy
HPV DNA test
A test to determine whether cancer-causing variants of human papillomavirus (HPV) are present in the endocervix or ectocervix of women undergoing Papanicolaou (Pap) testing.
Synonym: hybrid capture testPatient care
The test is performed by swabbing the cervix and endocervix carefully and then submitting the specimen for laboratory analysis. The test detects the most common types of HPV that may, in some patients, cause cervical cancer. It may be used to follow up abnormal Pap test results, e.g., atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance, or it may be employed in conjunction with Pap testing. Women whose Pap test results are normal and who have a negative HPV test have a very low risk for cervical cancer. Routine HPV screening should be performed for sexually active woman over the age of 30, but not before.
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