HPV Testing


HPV Detection Methods:

Hybrid Capture 2 HPV DNA Test by Digene Corporation

Turn around time: 7 working days following finalization of cytological report by pathologist.

The Hybrid Capture 2 technology is a nucleic acid hybridization microplate assay with signal amplification, using chemiluminescence for the qualitative detection of eighteen types of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in cervical specimens. The tests can differentiate between two HPV DNA groups: The low risk HPV probe detects types 6/11/42/43/44; and the high/intermediate-risk HPV probe detects types 16/18/31/33/35/39/45/51/56/58/59/68, but cannot determine the specific HPV type present.

Cervical specimens which may be tested with the Hybrid Capture2 HPV DNA Test include:

  1. Swab, brush or tissue collected in Digene Specimen Transport Medium
  2. Specimens collected using a brush or broom-type collection device and placed in Cytyc PreservCyt Solution
The above collection medias are the only acceptable ones for this test.

The use of this test is indicated:

  1. To aid in the diagnosis of sexually transmitted HPV infections with HPV types 6,11,16,18,31,35,39,42,43,44,45,51,52,56,58,59,69.
  2. To screen patients with ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) Pap smear results to determine the need for referral to colposcopy. The results of this test are not intended to deter women form proceeding to colposcopy.
  3. In women with LSIL or HSIL Pap smear results, prior to colposcopy, an HC2 HPV result will aid the physician in patient management by assisting with risk assessment of women to determine absence of high grade disease. This result is not intended to deter the patient proceeding to colposcopy.

The HPV Test is not intended for use as a screening device in the general population.

The HPV Test is designed to augment existing methods for the detection of cervical disease and should be used in conjunction with clinical information derived from other diagnostic and screening tests, physical examinations and full medical history in accordance with appropriate patient management procedures. HPV Test results should not be used as the sole basis for clinical assessment and treatment of patients.

At this time, the HPV Clinical Lab is unable to perform PCR on the HPV specimens. We will keep you posted when that becomes available.

Ordering Information

If you would like to order HPV testing or DIGENE collection kits, or for pricing information please contact:
Donna Kenney at 206-341-5905 or the lab at 206-744-3911