What is involved in HPV testing?

In testing for human papilloma virus (HPV), several factors are involved. There are many different HPV strains, most of which are relatively harmless. However, it is known that some types of this virus cause cervical cancer. The sample of the skin cells from the cervix is ​​analyzed to determine which type of HPV is present to check for cervical cancer. A small sample of skin cells is taken from the cervix and then explored in the laboratory for any abnormalities. If the cells return abnormal, the HPV test can be performed on the same cells. The abnormal results of Pap Smear are very common and rarely mean that cancer is present. Most abnormal results are caused by inflammation or vaginal infection.

Testing on HPV means finding specific strains of virus known to cause cervical cancer. The latest screening of cervical cancer is called Digene HPV. This test uses computer molecular technology to identifyACI present types of HPV and determination whether the patient is endangered by cancer. Testing for HPV is recommended with each routine parcel. Studies have shown that screening is significantly more accurate when the HPV test is performed with a PAP test compared to when the tests are carried out separately.

Women at the age of 20 are at less risk than in women at the age of 30 for cervical cancer. For sexually active men and women at the age of 20, it is becoming more common to withdraw about HPV infection, but these infections tend to be treated. When the paints return to women under 30 years of age, HPV testing is recommended. Although there are cases of young women diagnosed with cancer, the risk does not justify regular projections.

HPV testing is increasingly accurate with technology progress. The DIGENE HPV test provides a clear positive or negative result for high -risk virus strains. TOWhen women aged at least 20 years of age return with a positive DIGENE HPV test, further testing is required. This additional examination is called colposcopy, named after a large electrical microscope called a colposcope. The doctor can use this to look at the cervix good and find out what causes positive test results, and maybe take another biopsy sample.

Before testing on HPV, patients are asked not to use any vaginal drugs, swabs or douches for at least 48 hours. These products may disrupt the test results. The doctor asks the patient to empty the bladder just before the test starts. This is for the patient's comfort and can make the test easier. All concerns or questions should be resolved with a physician before procedure.

There are currently no methods for testing men HPV. American food and drug administration (FDA) must still find and approve the effective method for collecting male genital skin cells for testing. HPV testing in men may not be possiblebut in October 2009 FDA approved the first vaccination against HPV for men aged 9 to 26.