Inconsistent HPV Test Results Reported

Human papillomavirus (HPV) tests may not produce accurate results, says a new study.

This study found that messenger RNA (mRNA) assays may be less sensitive at detecting latent HPV infections when compared with HPV DNA assays.

And, these researchers said HPV DNA testing can tell if HPV infection is present or absent, but cannot detect the difference between an active and latent infection.

There was a 69 percent difference in HPV mRNA testing compared with previous HPV DNA testing, reported these researchers.

"Compared with the DNA assay, the mRNA assay is more specific in predicting the presence of dysplasia, but less sensitive in detecting the presence of latent HPV infection," the researchers explained.

In this study, 425 charts for female patients 30 years of age or older were identified with one or more prior high-risk HPV infections by DNA assay

Additionally, there was a potential change in follow-up for 71.7% of patients with one prior high-risk-HPV-positive result and 60.0% of patients with two or more prior high-risk HPV-positive results.

According to these researchers, the HPV mRNA assay should not be used as a primary screening tool for cervical cancer.

Many pathology laboratories have shifted to using the HPV mRNA assay without clear discussion with gynecologists about the effects on patient follow-up.

The type of HPV assay being used should be documented and any HPV mRNA result confirmed by HPV DNA assay.

Each year in the USA, about 39,800 new cases of cancer are found in parts of the body where HPV is often found. HPV causes about 31,500 of these cancers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report human papillomavirus causes most cervical cancers.

Two screening tests can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The Pap test is recommended for women between ages 21 and 65. If you are 30 years old or older, you may choose to have an HPV test and a PAP with more time between tests.

The CDC recommends HPV vaccinations for preteen girls and boys to protect against HPV infection. Teens who did not get the HPV vaccine or did not get all doses when they were younger, should speak with a doctor or pharmacist.

Additionally, the CDC approved a two-dose schedule for adolescents under age 15 instead of the traditional three-dose schedule. Teens starting at age 15 or later still need three doses.

The Gardasil 9 vaccine immunizes against nine genotypes of HPV known to cause cervical cancer, as well as vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers and genital warts caused by HPV.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides HPV vaccine prices for general information.

And vaccine discounts can be found here.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects, says the CDC. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.

Corresponding author: Judith A. Smith, PharmD, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, [email protected].

Financial Disclosure: the authors, Cotton, Sarah BS; Brown, Robert E. MD; Nugent, Elizabeth K. MD; Robazetti, Sonia C. MD; Berens, Pamela D. MD; Smith, Judith A. PharmD, did not report any potential conflicts of interest.