US EditionPeriod Blood Test Could Offer Easier Way to Screen for Cervical Cancer, Study Finds
A study of over 3,000 women found menstrual blood HPV testing had 94.7% sensitivity for detecting cervical abnormalities, comparable to clinician-collected samples.
- On Wednesday, the BMJ published a China-based study showing minipad menstrual‑blood strip samples detected CIN2+ with 94.7% sensitivity, comparable to clinician samples at 92.1%, in 3,068 women aged 20–54.
- To widen access, researchers tested a non-invasive, home-collectible method to boost screening among women who avoid clinician screening, as five million women are not up to date with screening.
- In head‑to‑head comparison, specificity was lower for minipad samples but predictive values and referrals were similar, authors report.
- Authors warn the test cannot immediately replace screening and call for replication and care-pathway research, while NHS England pilots home testing kits in 100 selected GP practices in London with wider rollout planned within three years.
- However, experts note limitations include possible false positives and verification bias, the test suits only menstruating people, and Wales and Scotland will start this approach this year amid HPV vaccination effects on screening schedules.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can lead to cervical cancer or cervical cancer - in fact this virus is the great responsible for most of the disease.
Researchers say a test of menstrual blood could be enough to detect cervical cancer without requiring women to undergo uncomfortable gynaecological procedures. The test could also be done at home, the researchers say. Cervical cancer charities say they are encouraged by the search for new, potentially gentler ways to screen for the disease, which could improve access, although the research is still in its early stages. A test of menstrual blood …
Why the end of traditional cervical smear tests could be in sight
While a few women look forward to their cervical screening tests, some completely avoid the procedure, because they find it painful, distressing or just embarrassing. Those women are starting to be able to do their own checks to cut their cancer risk, without setting foot in a clinic, because of several advances. In the biggest change, DIY tests using a vaginal swab have started being offered by some GPs to women who are overdue for the standard…
Svenska Dagbladet
svt NyheterResearchers in China may have found a method to test women for the HPV virus without inserting foreign objects into the body.
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