Abbott's DNA test for the detection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) is now available in Europe as an important tool for first-line screening. The test is able to identify women at increased risk for development of cervical cancer or the presence of high-grade disease.
The Abbott RealTime High Risk HPV test has been clinically validated in many significant studies conducted in European countries in recent years, and the intended use has been expanded to include first-line primary screening. According to research cited by Abbott representatives, HPV primary screening has several benefits compared to the current method of examining cervical samples (Pap smear or cervical cytology). Most important, it allows physicians to identify more women with abnormal cervical cells and if HPV isn't present, rule out the possibility of a patient developing cervical cancer in the next few years.
HPV is extremely common; experts estimate the majority of sexually active men and women contract HPV at some time in their lives. Although most (~ 90 percent) HPV infections are transient and resolve without treatment, unresolved infections may cause genital warts and cervical cancer. Women showing precancerous cervical cell changes caused by HPV can be treated to remove the abnormal cells.
Abbott's RealTime High Risk HPV assay has been available in Europe since 2008 on the company’s automated m2000 RealTime System. Learn more about the Abbott RealTime High Risk HPV test.
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