Understanding Pap Smear and HPV Urine Test – Which One Causes Less Pain and Hassle?
2023-07-14
Most women are familiar with the Pap smear test, but many find the process bothersome, uncomfortable, and embarrassing. If there was an alternative cervical cancer screening test that could eliminate these inconveniences, would you consider it? The World Health Organization and Department of Health have recently suggested HPV testing as the first-line screening test for early detection of cervical cancer. So, what's the difference? Let's break it down for you!
Earlier Detection of Cervical Cancer Risk
HPV testing primarily detects the presence of HPV virus DNA in the body, while the Pap smear examines cervical cells for abnormalities. According to WHO data, over 95% of cervical cancers are caused by high-risk HPV viruses, typically resulting from persistent HPV infections that progress into precancerous conditions. These conditions can remain latent for 5 to 20 years before developing into cervical cancer. Therefore, early HPV testing and seeking medical assistance upon a positive result can identify cancer risks earlier than the Pap smear.
Comparing Sampling Methods, Safety, and Privacy
Most HPV tests, like the Pap smear, require a healthcare professional to collect a cervical swab sample, which involves using a speculum to widen the vaginal wall and a brush to scrape cells from the cervix. This process can be uncomfortable, lead to embarrassment, and even cause discomfort or bleeding, deterring many women.
INDICAID HPV Urine Test eliminates all these troubles. By utilizing urine DNA concentration technology PHASiFY and Oxford Nanopore Technologies, you can collect urine sample easily at home with INDICAID and have the sample picked up or drop off yourself. Within 5 working days, you will receive an online report detailing the infection status of 27 types of HPV viruses, including 14 high-risk and 13 low-risk strains.
About INDICAID HPV Urine Test →How to Interpret the Test Results?
After sample collection, the Pap smear requires laboratory technicians to examine the cells under a microscope for abnormalities. However, results may be affected by human error in interpretation or insufficient sampling. Additionally, false negatives can occur in Pap smears when abnormal cells are not present in the sampled area. HPV testing, on the other hand, relies on automated machine interpretation which makes it relatively more reliable.
HPV Testing: The Recommended Cervical Cancer Screening Method
WHO recommends that HPV test is the most cost-effective technique for cervical screening. Detection of HPV infections that leads to cellular transformation followed by timely treatment can lower the risk of developing over 95% of cervical cancer. Meanwhile, the DH also introduced HPV screening test with higher sensitivity for eligible female clients under its services.
Comparison of HPV Testing and Pap Smear
| INDICAID HPV Urine Test | Pap Smear | |
|---|---|---|
| Target Detection | HPV Virus DNA | Presence of mutated cervical cells |
| Sampling Method | Urine (self-collected) | Cervical swab (in-clinic) |
| Safety | Non-invasive & painless | Invasive, may cause discomfort or bleeding |
| Privacy | Self-sampling at home with high privacy | Samples collected by professionals may cause embarrassment |
| Convenience | Collect anytime, pick-up & drop-off service available | Clinic appointment for the test required |
