What should women check for HPV (detailed explanation of HPV virus test items)
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common sexually transmitted virus that affects the reproductive health of thousands of women. Early detection and timely treatment can prevent cervical cancer and other diseases, so it is particularly important to carry out relevant examinations. What items should women check for HPV? This is explained in detail below.
1. Cervical cytology examination
Cervical cytology test, also called smear test, is a very common method of testing for HPV virus. A sample of cells is collected through the neck and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test results will clearly show whether the HPV virus is present, as well as other diagnostic information about the presence of cellular abnormalities. Under this examination method, the virus incubation period may still produce false negative results, so it is recommended to be used in conjunction with other detection methods.
2.HPV DNA detection
HPV DNA detection is a detection method based on PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology. It has higher sensitivity and accuracy in detecting the active status of the HPV virus and is also widely used in clinical testing. This testing method collects neck samples and uses PCR technology to detect whether they are positive for HPV infection. This test can detect most HPV types, including high-risk types.
3. Organizational inspection
For people infected with high-risk HPV types, cervical tissue examination is also necessary. If the HPV test result is positive and the smear/DNA test result is abnormal, tissue testing will be required. Tissue examination collects cervical tissue samples and observes cell changes under a microscope to determine whether there are precancerous lesions. Tissue examination is a valuable method of HPV detection. Although it is more expensive and complicated, it can diagnose precancerous lesions of the cervix.
4. Acetic acid whitening test
The acetic acid white test is still a relatively simple and non-invasive detection method that can detect the presence of cervical pre-cancerous lesions caused by high-risk HPV types. During the test, the doctor will use acetic acid ointment to wipe the cervical area. If white abnormal lesions are found on the surface of the cervix, it indicates the presence of cervical precancerous lesions. However, this examination method has limitations in detecting cervical precancerous lesions, so it is recommended to be used in conjunction with other detection methods.
Summary
How many tests do women need to check for HPV? The above introduces four commonly used HPV test items: cervical cytology test, HPV DNA test, tissue test and acetic acid white test. For those infected with high-risk HPV types, tissue examination and HPV DNA testing are necessary, while smear examination and acetic acid white test can be used in conjunction with other examination methods to achieve more accurate judgments. In order to avoid diseases such as cervical cancer, women need to undergo regular check-ups.
