Common questions

How sensitive is HPV test?

How sensitive is HPV test?

Pap smear had a sensitivity of 55.4 percent and the HPV test had a sensitivity of 94.6 percent. Pap smear had a specificity of 96.8 percent compared with 94.1 percent for the HPV test. The negative predictive value of both tests was higher than 99 percent.

Is the HPV test always accurate?

Whether you are going to get a human papillomavirus (HPV) screening for the first time or you are waiting for results, you are likely wondering about the accuracy of an HPV test. Those getting tested can rest assured that the HPV test is very accurate.

Is there a specific HPV test?

The HPV test looks for cervical infection by high-risk types of HPV that are more likely to cause pre-cancers and cancers of the cervix. The test can be done by itself or at the same time as the Pap test (called a co-test) (with the same swab or a second swab), to determine your risk of developing cervical cancer.

How accurate are HPV swab tests?

Does HPV self-sampling work? Yes! If the kit is used correctly, following the instructions that come with it, evidence from many studies shows that women are able to collect good samples and self-testing gives very accurate results.

How do you screen for HPV?

During an HPV test, your doctor or nurse puts a metal or plastic speculum into your vagina. The speculum is opened to separate the walls of your vagina so that they can see your cervix. Your doctor or nurse then uses a small sampler — a tiny spatula or brush — to gently take a small number of cells from your cervix.

Is the HPV test a PCR test?

Background: The development of a reproducible, sensitive, and standardised human papillomavirus (HPV) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is required to implement HPV testing in cervical cancer screening programmes and for triaging women with mild to moderate dysplasia.

Can you test positive for HPV and then negative?

HPV is a very common virus: About one quarter of women going through college will be exposed to HPV during their college years. In most cases, your body will effectively fight the HPV virus; most women with a positive HPV test will eventually have a negative test result.

Can you test negative for HPV and then positive?

The most common reason for a negative Pap test with a positive HPV result is that the patient has an HPV infection, but the infection is not causing any cellular abnormalities. Cellular abnormalities caused by HPV can be quite focal on the cervix, while the HPV infection can be more widespread.

Can you test negative for HPV and still have it?

Once your HPV tests come back negative, continuing with regular Pap and HPV tests mean any abnormalities that develop later can be found and treated before they become cancer. If you got a positive HPV test and your Pap test was abnormal, your doctor will probably follow up with a colposcopy.

What’s the sensitivity of a Pap test for cervical cancer?

Studies that compare the Pap test with repeat Pap testing have found that the sensitivity of any abnormality on a single test for detecting high-grade lesions is 55% to 80%. [ 31, 32] Because of the usual slow-growing nature of cervical cancer, the sensitivity of a program of regular Pap testing is likely higher.

How is the accuracy of a Pap test determined?

Accuracy of the Pap Test. Ideally, determining the sensitivity and specificity of a screening test would involve a study that applies a gold standard test (such as colposcopy with appropriate biopsy) to all participants (whether the screening test results are positive or negative).

What is the external validity of the Pap test?

External Validity: Good. Based on solid evidence, regular screening with the Pap test leads to additional diagnostic procedures (e.g., colposcopy) and treatment for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs), with long-term consequences for fertility and pregnancy.