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HPV tests

Understanding the significance of HPV testing

The benefit of a negative HPV result is its negative predictive value (NPP). A negative HPV result indicates that a patient is a very low risk of developing cervical disease. However neither HPV testing not negative cervical cytology are able to reduce the risk to zero.The negative predictive value of both DNA and mRNA testing is the same.   

Requests for HPV as the PRIMARY TEST will reflex to Cervical Cytology if HR-HPV is Detected/Positive at no additional charge.

Requests for HPV Primary Screening as a single test

HPV (A group of 14 HR mRNA types)

Code

HPVH

Sample Reqs

TPV

Turnaround

3 days

Special instructions

If HR-HPV is DETECTED/POSITIVE, cervical cytology (PAPT) will be processed without charge. 
The PAPT will be processed from the same vial.

 

Requests for HP20 as a single test

HPV (28 individually typed LR & HR DNA subtypes)

Code

HP20

Sample Reqs

TPV

Turnaround

3 days

Special instructions

HPV low and high risk DNA subtypes will be reported individually (9 low and 19 high risk). If High Risk DNA subtypes are positive then Cervical Cytology (PAPT) using the same vial will be processed without charge.

 

Requests for HPVT as a single test

HPV (28 individually typed low risk (LR) & high risk (HR) DNA subtypes and reflexed mRNA for types 16, 18, 31, 33 and 45)

Code

HPVT

Sample Reqs

TPV

Turnaround

5 days

Special instructions

If one or more of DNA types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45 are DETECTED/POSITIVE, reflex testing for expression of E6/E7 oncogenes will be undertaken and Cervical Cytology (PAPT) will be processed without charge. The PAPT will be processed from the same vial. 

 

Requests for Cervical Cytology as a single test are no longer processed without testing for HPV. In these circumstances, the HPV test will be charged in addition to the Cervical Cytology.

Requests for Cervical Cytolopgy (PAPT)

Cervical Cytology

Code

PAPT

Sample Reqs

TPV

Turnaround

6 days (combined report)

Special instructions

If PAPT is requested as a single test, HR-HPV will be undertaken additionally, and a combined report will be issued. PAPT and HPVH will be charged as two separate tests.

 

Cervical Cytology + HPVH

Code

PAPT + HPVH

Sample Reqs

TPV

Turnaround

6 days (combined report)

Special instructions

If PAPT and HPVH are requested together, results will be given as a combined report. PAPT and HPVH will be charged as two separate tests.

 

Requests for Cervical Cytology (PAPT) with selected HPV (HPVH or HP20 or HPVT)

Cervical Cytology +HPVH

Code

PAPT + HPVH

Sample Reqs

TPV

Turnaround

6 days (combined report)

Special instructions

Where HPV result is reported with Cervical Cytology, a recommendation for patient management will be given, based on the combined findings.

 

Cervical Cytology + HP20

Code

PAPT + HP20

Sample Reqs

TPV

Turnaround

6 days (combined report)

Special instructions

Where HPV result is reported with Cervical Cytology, a recommendation for patient management will be given, based on the combined findings.

 

Cervical Cytology + HPVT

Code

PAPT + HPVT

Sample Reqs

TPV

Turnaround

6 days (combined report)

Special instructions

Where HPV result is reported with Cervical Cytology, a recommendation for patient management will be given, based on the combined findings.

 

HPV/PAPT Combined Report 

Where HPV result is reported with Cervical Cytology, a recommendation for patient management will be given, based on the combined findings.

Turnaround times are from receipt of sample in the Cervical Cytology laboratory.

Updated Saturday, 14 December 2024