Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
13:41
Use of Interferon-γ Enzyme-linked Immunospot Assay to Characterize Novel T-cell Epitopes of Human Papillomavirus
Published on: March 8, 2012
Triage using HPV-testing in persistent borderline and mildly dyskaryotic smears: proposal for new guidelines
Aagje G Bais1, Matejka Rebolj, Peter J F Snijders
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
International Journal of Cancer
|March 8, 2005
Summary
Triage with high-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing effectively identifies women with borderline cervical cytology (BMD smear) who do not need immediate referral. Absence of hrHPV indicates low risk, allowing return to routine screening.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Borderline or mildly dyskaryotic cytology (BMD smear) affects 2% of cervical cancer screening participants.
- High-grade CIN lesions (CIN II-III) are present in only 10% of women with BMD smears, leading to unnecessary referrals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate high-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing as a triage method for women with persistent BMD cytology.
- To identify women at risk for high-grade CIN lesions and incorporate a "wait-and-see" approach for potential lesion regression.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 105 women with repeat BMD smears.
- Triage using hrHPV testing at baseline, with follow-up monitoring at 6 and 12 months.
- Stratification of management based on hrHPV status and CIN grade.
Main Results:
- None of the 51 hrHPV-negative women showed lesion progression within the first year (Negative Predictive Value 100%).
- High-grade CIN was found in 35% of hrHPV-positive women; 3 cleared hrHPV and regressed CIN.
- Ten hrHPV-positive women with persistent high-grade CIN required treatment.
Conclusions:
- hrHPV testing is a reliable triage method for persistent BMD cytology, accurately selecting women not at risk for high-grade CIN.
- Women with absent hrHPV can safely return to routine screening without colposcopy.
- Repeat hrHPV testing after 6 months is recommended for hrHPV-positive women, with referral only if hrHPV persists.
