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HPV tests

How requests for HPV testing are processed.

The benefit of a negative HPV result is its negative predictive value – meaning that a negative HPV result indicates that a patient is at very low risk of developing cervical disease. However, neither HPV testing nor negative cervical cytology are able to reduce the risk to zero. The negative predictive value of both DNA and mRNA testing is the same. DNA tests detect presence of virus only. A mRNA test detects the presence of viral oncogenic expression.

Requests for Cervical Cytology (PAPT) only will no longer be processed without HPV. HPV testing will be charged.

Requests for PAPT

Cervical Cytology

Code

PAPT will include HPVH

Sample Reqs

TPV

Turnaround

3 days

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.

 

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

PAPT and HPVH

Code

PAPT + HPVH

Sample Reqs

TPV

Turnaround

3 days

Special instructions

If PAPT and HPVH are requested together, results will be given as a combined report, PAPT and selected HPVH test will be charged.

 

Requests for HPV as the PRIMARY TEST will reflex to PAPT if HR-HPV is Detected/Positive.  PAPT will NOT be charged.

HPV mRNA (All High Risk Subtypes)

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 (Individual low & high risk DNA subtypes)

Code

HP20

Sample Reqs

TPV/PCR Swab

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 (DNA and reflexed mRNA)

Code

HPVT

Sample Reqs

TPV

Turnaround

3 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 oncoproteins will be undertaken and cervical cytology (PAPT) will be processed without charge. The PAPT will be processed from the same vial. 

More details

See the Sample Requirements page for an explanation of the sample requirements code listed above.

See the Special Instructions Legend page for a full list of special instructions.

Last-updated: 22/01/2022

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 Wednesday, 06 December 2023