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The two screening methods available are the Pap smear and testing for HPV. CIN is usually discovered by a screening test, the Pap smear. The purpose of this test is to detect potentially precancerous changes through random sampling of the transformation zone. Pap smear results may be reported using the Bethesda system (see above).
Co-testing with a Pap test and HPV test is recommended because it decreases the rate of false-negatives. According to the National Cancer Institute, "The most common test detects DNA from several high-risk HPV types, but it cannot identify the types that are present.
Medicare Part B covers the costs of HPV testing. It provides coverage once every 5 years for people between the ages of 30 and 65 years without HPV symptoms.The HPV test is part of the Pap test ...
Samples for screening tests may be collected during the pelvic exam. These screening tests include: Cervical cancer screening - A Pap smear and/or HPV testing may be performed as a screening test for cervical cancer. [18] The procedure begins by gently scraping or sampling the cells of the cervix using a special spatula, brush or swab.
The FDA has given the green light to a self-collection solution to test for HPV, making it one of the easiest options available in the U.S. for identifying those at risk of cervical cancer.
The Pap test can be used as a screening test but produces a false negative in up to 50% of cases of cervical cancer. [58] [59] Another concern is the cost of doing Pap tests, which makes them unaffordable in many areas of the world. [60] Confirmation of the diagnosis of cervical cancer or precancer requires a biopsy of the cervix.
In England, the NHS cervical screening programme is available to women aged 25 to 64; women aged 25 to 49 receive an invitation every 3 years and women aged 50 to 64 receive an invitation every 5 years to undergo HPV testing. [15] [16] If there is a positive HPV test result, then patients undergo further cytology (Pap smear). [15]
The Papanicolaou test (abbreviated as Pap test, also known as Pap smear (AE), [1] cervical smear (BE), cervical screening (BE), [2] or smear test (BE)) is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix (opening of the uterus or womb) or, more rarely, anus (in both men and women). [3]