Turnaround Time:

Test performed fortnightly, result available within 21 days.

Assay Method

The COBAS 4800 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test is a qualitative test for the detection of 14 high-risk (HR oncogenic) HPV types.

Diagnostic Use and Interpretation

LabPLUS uses the Roche COBAS 4800 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.

PCR detection and genotyping are useful in:

Cervical tissue samples

Confirmation of complete excision of infected tissue by testing of residual margins.

HPV vaginal swab and cervical cytology samples

Tests for these samples are not performed at LabPLUS and will be transported to Anatomic Pathology Service (APS), Mount Wellington by Support Services. .Please refer to "HPV Primary Screening" for specimen collection details.

Head and Neck Cancers

Epidemiologic and molecular studies have increasingly identified the HPV-16 genotype of human papillomavirus (HPV) as a causative agent in squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx. HPV-18, 31 or 33 may also be causative but are much less common. Interest in establishing the origin of these tumours derives from the considerably better prognosis for HPV associated head and neck cancers than for non-HPV cancers and therefore the option for less destructive therapy.
HPV genome in these tumours is integrated and testing involves amplification of the E6 gene. Please clearly label the specimen (FNA, tissue, paraffin block) as "Head and neck tumour" to avoid misprocessing.

References:

1. Sturgis EM, Ang KK. The epidemic of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer is here: is it time to change our treatment paradigms? J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2011;9;665

Contact Information

For further information contact the laboratory (contact via Lablink: 22000 or (09) 307-8995 or 0800 522 7587) ,or:
the Virology team virology@adhb.govt.nz

Last updated at 18:45:56 24/06/2024