HPV vs Pap test
“With HPV test, it is to check the virus itself, so before the changes occur in the cervix, it could be detected.”Unlike the Pap test, where a cytopathologist is needed, a machine will do the HPV testing, Tulandi said. “This means that a greater proportion of patients without cervical disease are likely to receive a positive test result,” the authors from Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital wrote.
It noted, however, that the provinces and territories are primarily responsible for the administration of health services, including testing and medical advice. But it added: “Primary HPV testing is a better way to screen people who have already received the HPV vaccination.”In New Brunswick, activities to support the transition to HPV primary screening are scheduled to start in the fall.
Manitoba introduced HPV reflex testing in February 2022, to screen for high-risk HPV on abnormal Pap tests to determine which patients require a follow-up diagnostic procedure versus those who can return to routine screening.“The enhanced process reduces unnecessary follow-up testing and treatment with improved cervical cancer outcomes for Manitobans by ensuring those most at risk receive appropriate interventions,” a Shared Health spokesperson said.