Q: How prevalent is HPV? 

A: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus and approaches the Chlamydia infection as the most common sexually transmitted disease overall.

More than 70 distinct site-specific papillomaviral types exist, 23 of which are specific to the genital tract of both males and females1. Clinical manifestation is dependent upon epithelial location, HPV type and host-immune status. For example, some HPV types cause common warts, butcher warts, plantar warts or other warty changes of the human epithelia. Such types of HPV are referred to as "low risk" or "non-cancer associated". Other types of HPV, known as "high risk" HPV DNA are found in virtually all cervical carcinomas and precursor lesions worldwide.1

Q: Does an HPV infection alone immediately induce a carcinoma? 

A: HPV infection alone is not sufficient to induce an immediate carcinoma because malignant tumors develop only after HPV-induced lesions persist for several months or even years.

The epithelial lining of the anogenital tract is the target for infection by the mucosotropic HPV viruses. Progression from infection to a tumor is facilitated by chemical or physical mutagens that may affect both viral and cellular functions. After exposure to HPV, events in the viral life cycle are initiated, with specific activity regulated by the factors responsible for the host's immune response.

Q: What type of HPV DNA test does Carigen use? 

A: Carigen utilizes two real time PCR systems from Sacace Biotechnolgies These are:

HPV High Risk Screen is an in vitro Real Time amplification test for qualitative detection of Human Papillomavirus (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59) in the urogenital swabs Tissue and Liquid-based cytology samples. 

HPV High Risk Type is an in vitro Real Time amplification test for qualitative genotyping of Human Papillomavirus (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59) in the urogenital swabs Tissue and Liquid-based cytology samples. 

Q: How is the HPV specimen collected? 

A: An HPV specimen is collected with a cervical swab or brush.

A sample for HPV testing should be collected after the Pap smear sample has been taken, if both are done in the same visit. If the sample is to be collected at the time of a colposcopy, the HPV sample should be collected prior to the application of acetic acid or any other type of solution.

A second sample for the HPV High Risk Screen Test

Q:How long will it take to get the results?

A. Turnaround time from CARIGEN is 3-5 working days.

Q: What is the cost of this assay? 

A: Each collection agency establishes its own pricing policy. Carigen provides the lowest possible price in order to give the patient the best cost.

All tests are performed according to standards that meet or exceed that of the industry.