Specimen Collection
Self-collected or clinician collected vaginal swab (HPV testing only)
ThinPrep Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) cervical sample (HPV testing and cytology)
Turnaround Time: Between 3 days and 1 week, 3 days
Daily -
Monday to Friday
and depending on the test required, result available within
3 to 10 working days
Assay Method
The COBAS 6800 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test is a qualitative test for the detection of 14 high-risk (HR oncogenic) HPV types.
Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
HPV vaginal swab and cervical cytology samples are not performed at LabPLUS and should be referred to Anatomic Pathology Service (APS), Mount Wellington.
APS uses the Roche COBAS 6800 HPV test which detects the HPV high-risk types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68. The assay does not detect low risk HPVs, nor other potentially oncogenic HPVs not listed above.
The occurrence of genital cancer (particularly cervical) is increased in the presence of 'high risk' HPV types listed above.
PCR detection and genotyping is used in:
HPV Primary Screening
-
Vaginal swab: May be self-collected by patients and is used for HPV testing only.
-
Cervical sample (ThinPrep LBC): Used for both HPV testing and cytology (if indicated by Cervical Screening Pathway or as a co-test in patients with relevant symptoms; refer to National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) Clinical Practice Guidelines).
Note
:
HPV testing on cervical tissue samples for confirmation of complete excision of infected tissue by testing of residual margin is performed by LabPLUS, refer to
"HPV PCR"
Testing for HPV in Head and Neck Cancers is performed by LabPLUS, refer to
"HPV (Head and Neck cancer PCR panel)"
HPV [Human Papilloma Virus PCR]
Contact Information
For further information contact
Anatomic Pathology Service
(09) 302 0516 or
aps.info@adhb.govt.nz
. Please also refer to
APS
website.
Specimen Transport Instructions for Referring Laboratories
Self-collected or clinician collected vaginal swab:
Refer to collection instructions in kit provided by the laboratory. Place the sample into a biohazard bag with a completed request form in the side pocket. Transport to LabPLUS for referral to APS, Mt Wellington. If there is a delay in sending to the laboratory, swabs may be stored at ambient temperature. Swabs must be tested within 4 weeks of sample collection.
ThinPrep LBC cervical sample:
Take the sample from the transformation zone of the cervix, vagina or vault using the most clinically appropriate device, then vigorously rinse the device in the PreservCyt solution vial by swirling ten times or pushing up against the vial wall. Discard the device and tighten the vial cap firmly to ensure no leakage. Place the vial into a biohazard bag with completed request form in the side pocket and transport to LabPLUS for referral to APS, Mt Wellington. If there is a delay in sending to the laboratory, samples may be stored at ambient temperature but must be tested within 3 weeks of sample collection.
NB. Ensure all fields are correctly filled out on the request form.
All results are entered automatically into the NCSP register, unless the patient withdraws from the register. These tests are funded for some groups as per NCSP guidelines
.