Tam Pap for self testing of HPV

Purins A, Hiller JE
Record ID 32007000656
English
Authors' results and conclusions: Human papilloma virus (HPV) testing as the basis for screening for cervical cancer is highly sensitive, yet lacks specificity. It shows better performance when used as a screening test in women over 30 or 35 years of age. In younger women test results are more difficult to interpret, with most HPV infections clearing spontaneously and posing no threat for the development of cervical cancer. The lack of specificity and uncertainty of the meaning of results for younger women make exclusive HPV testing only useful for those who are not going to be tested any other way. Specifically, there was little information and no studies identified for the Tam Pap kit. It is therefore recommended to monitor this controversial new technology.
Authors' recommendations: HealthPACT agreed that over-the counter HPV testing is unlikely to affect conventional Pap smear testing for cervical cancer and have therefore recommended that further assessment of this technology is no longer warranted.
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2007
URL for published report: Not Available
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: Australia
MeSH Terms
  • Cervix Uteri
  • Papillomaviridae
  • Papillomavirus Infections
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
  • Vaginal Smears
Contact
Organisation Name: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment
Contact Address: School of Public Health, Mail Drop 545, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA, Tel: +61 8 8313 4617
Contact Name: ahta@adelaide.edu.au
Contact Email: ahta@adelaide.edu.au
Copyright: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.