A new, more precise HPV test has been approved by the FDA and it is a huge improvement from current HPV testing. Cervista 16/18, the new HPV test, detects and identifies two strains of HPV known to cause cervical cancer in women. HPV 16 and 18 are the two specific strains of the human papillomavirus that cause about 70 percent of cervical cancer diagnoses in the U.S. Current HPV testing is non-specific and only classifies an HPV infection as low, moderate, or high risk. It does not idenitfy the exact strain of the virus.
Many believe that the HPV test will eventually replace the Pap smear as the primary screening tool for cervical cancer. For now, though, the Pap smear remains one of our best defenses against cervical cancer and early detection. It detects abnormal cell changes long before they become cancerous. HPV testing is coupled with the Pap smear and gives insight into whether closer monitoring of the cervix should be done or if treatment of dysplasia should be done sooner than later.
Cervista 16/18 was approved last month by the FDA and should be available at most doctors' offices within three to six months.
Many believe that the HPV test will eventually replace the Pap smear as the primary screening tool for cervical cancer. For now, though, the Pap smear remains one of our best defenses against cervical cancer and early detection. It detects abnormal cell changes long before they become cancerous. HPV testing is coupled with the Pap smear and gives insight into whether closer monitoring of the cervix should be done or if treatment of dysplasia should be done sooner than later.
Cervista 16/18 was approved last month by the FDA and should be available at most doctors' offices within three to six months.
This newer HPV test is really not better at all. It is less sensitive at finding disease than the current test that is available, and the 16/18 test is not covered by any insurance companies. On top of this the 16/18 test will not change how your physician manages your care as the guidelines for treatment only address if you are HPV positive or negative, regardless of the type of HPV that you have. If you are reading this article for information I would suggest you check medical websites such as the american cancer society, etc.