Chlamydia/gonorrhea combo and HR HPV DNA testing in liquid-based pap

Residual material from liquid-based pap (LBP) test has been used for molecular testing of Human Papilloma Virus (HR HPV) DNA. LBP test specimens (1,025) were evaluated to determine how often residual material was insufficient to perform microbiological testing. The specimens were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea (CCGT) alone and in combination with HR HPV(CCGT + HR HPV), using PCR method and HYBRID CAPTURE 2, respectively. A minimum volume of 5 ml (CCGT: 0.5-1 ml, HPV: 4 ml) of residual material is required for both the tests. The residual material was measured at >5 ml, < or =5 ml, and 0.5 ml volumes and documented. Results were tabulated. The insufficient rate for cases submitted for CCGT was 0.2% and 7.6% for HR HPV, with a detection rate of 40.9% for HR HPV. Utilizing residual material from LBP test for microbiological testing, as well as DNA testing for HR HPV is a convenient, cost-effective means to enhance patient care.