LBC+HPV in Dehradun

What is a LBC+HPV?

This combines two tests on a single cervical sample, and they answer different questions. Liquid-based cytology, the Pap component, looks at the cells for changes that have already begun. The HPV test looks for the high-risk types of human papillomavirus that cause virtually all cervical cancer, and so identifies risk before any cell change has occurred. Testing both together, known as co-testing, is more informative than either alone. A negative result on both is strongly reassuring and allows screening intervals to be safely lengthened, typically to five years, because cervical cancer develops slowly over ten to fifteen years through pre-cancerous stages. HPV positive with normal cytology means the virus is present but has not yet caused visible change, which generally means closer surveillance rather than intervention, since most HPV infections clear on their own within a couple of years. Cytology abnormal with HPV positive is the combination that most often leads to colposcopy. The point of the whole exercise is that these stages are silent and treatable, and finding them is what prevents the cancer.

Why take this test?

Co-testing is advised as routine cervical screening, generally from around age 30, since HPV infection is very common and usually transient in younger women and testing for it earlier produces many positives that resolve without consequence. Your gynaecologist sets the interval, commonly five years after a negative co-test. It is also used to follow up a previous abnormal smear or a known HPV infection. Screening is for women who feel entirely well; symptoms such as bleeding between periods, bleeding after intercourse, bleeding after menopause or an unusual persistent discharge need a gynaecologist promptly rather than a routine screening test. Vaccination against HPV substantially reduces risk but does not cover every high-risk type, so vaccinated women continue screening. The sample is collected by a clinician during a brief internal examination and cannot be self-collected at home.

• Routine cervical screening, generally from around age 30
• Extending the screening interval safely after a negative co-test
• Following up a previous abnormal smear
• Known or previously detected high-risk HPV infection
• After HPV vaccination, which reduces but does not remove the need
• As advised by your gynaecologist based on your history

FAQs: LBC+HPV in Dehradun