Detects the presence of HPV (Human papillomavirus). A group of viruses that infect the skin or moist areas of the body.

Clinical Significance

Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is a viral infection that commonly causes skin or mucous membrane growths (warts). There are more than 100 varieties of human papillomavirus (HPV). Some types of HPV infection cause warts, and some can cause different types of cancer (cervical dysplasia and cervical carcinoma). Most HPV infections do not lead to cancer. But some types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina (cervix). Other types of cancers, including cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva and back of the throat (oropharyngeal), have been linked to HPV infection. These infections are often transmitted sexually or through other skin-to-skin contact. Vaccines can help protect against the strains of HPV most likely to cause genital warts or cervical cancer.

This assay only detects high-risk HPV types, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 and 68.