The HPV test represents the most significant breakthrough in cervical cancer screening since the Pap smear, and is more sensitive than the Pap alone.

The digene HPV Test is the only test for high-risk types of HPV approved by the FDA.

?For a Pap test, a physician or nurse collects a sample of cervical cells, and laboratory technician visually examines it under a microscope to look for abnormal changes. Thus, the findings are inexact and prone to misinterpretation ? no matter what type of Pap is used.

?The digene HPV Test (the only such test approved by the FDA) uses advanced molecular technology to detect the DNA (genetic material) of 13 high-risk types of HPV, the virus shown to actually cause cervical cancer.

?The test can be done at the same time as the Pap, so women don't need to do anything more than ask for it.

?The digene HPV Test is based on proprietary Hybrid Capture? technology, which combines two innovations from the rapidly evolving field of life sciences ? DNA/RNA probes and monoclonal antibodies ? to allow rapid, standardized gene testing in virtually any lab setting.

?By combining the HPV and Pap tests, the ability to identify women at risk for cervical cancer is increased to virtually 100 percent.

?In one study, The digene HPV Test identified 100 percent of women with advanced cervical disease, compared to only 58 percent identified by the conventional Pap and 84 percent by the newer, "liquid-based" Pap.2  Another study found that liquid-based Pap testing is no better than conventional cytology.

?In study to study, the sensitivity of Digene's HPV test consistently exceeds the Pap.

?The digene HPV Test was first approved in 1999 for follow-up evaluation in women of all ages whose Pap results are inconclusive ? typically referred to as "ASC-US" (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance).

?In 2003, the FDA approved The digene HPV Test for cervical cancer screening, in conjunction with a Pap, in women age 30 and older.

?Use of HPV testing for routine screening is recognized in guidelines issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Cancer Society and the American Medical Women's Association.  

?The majority of insurance companies cover the HPV test for routine screening.

For more information, visit The HPV test.