HPV DNA testing is a screening procedure performed on women to detect high-risk type HPV (human papilloma virus) infections. High-risk HPV type infections can trigger changes in cervical cells and can turn into cervical cancer or other types of cancer, such as the vagina and anus.
HPV DNA testing is done by examining genetic material (DNA) HPV in cervical cells. This examination procedure is only for detecting high-risk HPV types and is not used to diagnose health problems caused by low-risk HPV types, such as genital warts.
HPV DNA testing has the same goal as the pap smear procedure, which is to detect cervical cancer early. HPV DNA testing can be done with a pap smear as a screening test for cervical cancer. HPV DNA testing should be done routinely every 3-5 years.
Indications for HPV DNA Testing
Most people do not know that they are infected with HPV. This is because some types of HPV do not cause any symptoms or signs, so routine checks are needed. HPV DNA testing has several purposes:
- Detects cervical cell abnormalities and HPV infections in women aged 30 years and over. This examination is usually done in conjunction with a pap smear procedure.
- Detecting further the presence of high-risk HPV types in patients with pap smears that show abnormal cervical cells. If HPV testing shows the presence of high-risk types of HPV, your doctor may recommend further tests, such as cervical biopsy.
- Helps check for abnormal cervical cells after treatment for high-risk HPV infection.
Warning:
- Female patients aged less than 30 years are not recommended to undergo routine HPV DNA testing. Cervical conversion to cancer takes 10 years or more, so that HPV DNA testing can be delayed.
- Avoid checking HPV DNA while menstruating. The examination may still be possible, but it can affect the results of the examination.
- Before undergoing HPV DNA testing, inform your doctor in advance if you are in pregnancy. The doctor may delay the examination until you give birth. This is done to prevent interference with the fetus.
Before HPV DNA Testing
Doctors will usually discuss with patients to explain about HPV DNA testing, ranging from goals, procedures, risks, to the results of the examination.
This examination procedure causes slight bleeding. Therefore, patients can bring sanitary napkins or tampons from home, for use after examination.
The patient will be asked to empty the bladder before HPV DNA testing is carried out. This is done for the convenience of the
patient and helps simplify the examination process
There are some things that should be avoided at least 48 hours before HPV DNA testing is carried out, including:
- Avoid watering the vagina with water spray.
- Avoid sexual intercourse.
- Avoid using tampons.
- Avoid using vaginal medicines, including vaginal cleansing creams or soaps.
HPV DNA Inspection Procedure
HPV DNA testing usually only takes a few minutes. There are several steps in the procedure of HPV DNA testing, namely:
- The patient will be asked to remove clothing from the waist down.
- The patient will lie on his back on the examination table with his knees bent and legs raised and supported with a support. This position allows the doctor to examine the patient's vaginal and genital areas.
- The obstetrician will slowly insert a device called a speculum into the vagina. The speculum will open the vaginal wall, allowing the doctor to examine the inside of the vagina and cervix. The patient will feel a slight pressure in the pelvic area when the speculum is inserted.
- Using a cotton swab or a soft brush, the doctor will take cell samples from the cervix and cell samples from the inside of the endocervical canal (the cervical opening).
- The sample will be placed in a tube, then sent to a laboratory and analyzed, to see if the cell contains genetic material of the type of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.
HPV examination can also be performed on cell samples taken for fluid-based pap smears.
After HPV DNA Examination
After HPV DNA testing, patients can usually carry out their normal activities. However, the doctor may advise patients not to have sexual intercourse for a while.
Results of HPV DNA testing are generally completed within 1-2 weeks after examination. There are two types of HPV DNA examination results, namely negative and positive.
- Normal / negative. The results of a negative HPV DNA test showed that the patient did not have the type of HPV that can cause cancer.
- Abnormal / positive. Positive HPV DNA results show that the patient has a high-risk type of HPV, which is associated with cervical cancer. This does not mean that the patient is currently suffering from cancer, but the results of the examination can be used as a warning that cervical cancer can appear later in life. The doctor will recommend further tests to check for signs of cervical cancer. There are several types of HPV that are often associated with cervical cancer, including HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-31, HPV-33, HPV-35, HPV-45, HPV-52, and HPV-58.
By knowing that the patient is at high risk of cervical cancer, the patient and doctor can determine the next steps which include monitoring and follow-up examinations, as well as the type of treatment for abnormal cells. Some further checks that may be carried out include:
- Colposcopy. Advanced examination procedures with a special magnifying lens to examine the condition of the cervix more closely.
- Biopsy. This procedure is usually done in conjunction with colposcopy. The doctor will take samples of cervical cells for analysis in the laboratory.
- Removal of abnormal cervical cells. Procedure for removing tissue containing abnormal cervical cells. This procedure is done to prevent abnormal cervical cells developing into cancer cells.
Risk of HPV DNA Testing
HPV DNA testing rarely causes side effects. Some side effects that may be experienced by patients after undergoing HPV DNA examination procedures, including:
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen that resembles cramps during menstruation.
- Having a small amount of bleeding or grayish green discharge through the vagina.
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