HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV)

a. Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a group of more than 200 related viruses. More than 40 HPV types can be easily spread through direct sexual contact, from the skin and mucous membranes of infected people to the skin and mucous membranes of their partners. HPV infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections.

b. HPV types 16 and 18, are responsible for most HPV-caused cancers. Most HPV infections are benign and resolve on their own, but persistent infection with any of the high-risk HPV genotypes increases a woman’s risk for developing cervical cancer.

c. Please corelate the results with clinical status. This test should only be used for initial detection of the HPV virus. A  negative high-risk HPV result does not exclude the presence of other high-risk HPV types, the possibility of future cytologic abnormalities, underlying CIN2-3, or cancer.