Name of the Procedure:

Common Name(s): HPV Test
Technical/Medical Term: Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); human papillomavirus (HPV), high-risk types (G0476)

Summary

This procedure detects high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can lead to cervical cancer. It involves testing a sample for the presence of HPV DNA or RNA and is performed in addition to a Pap test.

Purpose

Medical Conditions/Problems Addressed:

• Screening for cervical cancer and its precursors.

  Goals/Expected Outcomes:

• Early detection of high-risk HPV types to prevent cervical cancer development.

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions Warranting Procedure:

• Regular cervical cancer screening, especially for women over 30.
• Abnormal Pap test results.

Patient Criteria:

• Women aged 30-65.
• Women under 30 with specific risk factors or abnormal screening results.

Preparation

Pre-Procedure Instructions:

• Schedule the test at least 5 days after your period ends.
• Avoid intercourse, douching, and using vaginal medications or spermicidal foams for 48 hours before the test.
• Inform your doctor of any medications or health conditions.

Diagnostic Tests or Assessments:

• Previous Pap tests and HPV screenings.

Procedure Description

1. The patient lies on an exam table with feet in stirrups.
2. A healthcare provider inserts a speculum into the vagina to widen it for easy access to the cervix.
3. A swab or brush is used to collect cells from the cervix.

4. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis for high-risk HPV DNA/RNA.

   Tools/Equipment Used:

   • Speculum, cytobrush/swab, collection vial.

Anesthesia or Sedation:

• None required.

Duration

Typically takes:

• 5 to 10 minutes for sample collection.

Setting

Where Performed:

• Outpatient clinic, gynecologist's office.

Personnel

Healthcare Professionals Involved:

• Gynecologist, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician's Assistant.

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Mild discomfort or cramping.
• Light spotting post-procedure.

Rare Complications:

• Infection (extremely rare).

Benefits

Expected Benefits:

• Early detection of cervical precancerous changes.
• Greater accuracy in cervical cancer screening when combined with a Pap test.

Realization Time:

• Lab results are generally available within a week.

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care:

• No special care needed; resume normal activities immediately.

Expected Recovery Time:

• Immediate, no downtime.

Restrictions/Follow-Up:

• Follow any additional recommendations from your healthcare provider.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

• Pap test alone.
• Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), primarily in low-resource settings.

Pros and Cons of Alternatives:

• Pap test alone has lower sensitivity for detecting high-risk HPV.
• VIA is less precise but useful where HPV testing is not available.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

• Mild discomfort or pressure similar to a Pap test.

After the Procedure:

• Minimal cramping or light spotting.

  Pain Management and Comfort Measures:

• Over-the-counter pain relief if needed for cramping.
• Comfort measures like deep breathing to ease any anxiety.