AmeriPath now offering HPV DNA Testing by Digene's Hybrid Capture II Technology.
Medco Forum, April 2001

AmeriPath’s Center for Advanced Diagnostics (CAD), located in Orlando, FL, focuses on providing high-quality advanced diagnostics. Providing you with the latest in cutting- edge technology, CAD is currently performing the Hybrid Capture ® 2 HPV Test manufactured by Digene Corporation.

HPV is one of the most commonly sexually transmitted infections and is the leading cause of cervical cancer and cervical disease leading to cancer. There are many different types of HPV which affect the anogenital area. These can be divided into two types: high-risk and low-risk, which indicate the chances of developing cervical cancer. High-risk types are found in more than 95% of cancers of the cervix. Positivity for high-risk HPV indicates an increased risk for cervical cancer and is associated with either concurrent or subsequent likelihood of cervical disease. Low-risk types are rarely found in cervical cancer and are more likely to be linked to genital warts or other non cancer- related infections.

The HPV test provides valuable information used to stratify ASCUS patients into high and low-risk categories. The presence of high-risk types of HPV in a patient with an ASCUS Pap test indicates she is at increased risk for disease and would benefit from immediate colposcopy. Those whose HPV result is negative may be returned to routine screening with a higher degree of confidence. Knowing the HPV status of a patient with an ASCUS Pap test can be of benefit in deciding the most appropriate management strategy for that patient. Additionally, this information may be helpful in determining follow-up and optimal screening intervals in patients with discrepant biopsy and Pap results.
Clinical Benefits of HPV:

• Increases sensitivity for the detection of high-grade cervical lesions
• Produces a high level of diagnostic accuracy
• Decreases the risk of undiagnosed cervical disease
• Helps determine the need for colposcopy
• Provides rapid, cost-effective results
• Enables HPV-negative women to be returned to routine screening with a high degree of confidence
• Reduces anxiety in HPV-negative women with ASCUS or AGUS results
• Minimizes unnecessary consultations and procedures

At your request, AmeriPath can perform the HPV Test automatically from the Cytyc ThinPrep Pap Test vial, using the same sample from which your cytology result was obtained. This saves both time and resources, compared to collecting a separate sample during a second follow-up visit with the patient. We can also process samples collected with the Digene Cervical Sampler™ and transported via the Digene Specimen Transport Tube, which contains Specimen Transport Medium™.

The AmeriPath Advantage is simple. Our gynecologic pathology specialists pool their medical expertise when consulting on unique or difficult cases and provide personal consultations regarding patient treatment plans and disease management.

We have extensive managed care coverage, superior turn-around time, as well as informative patient education materials. Our exceptional diagnostic accuracy in gynecologic pathology, combined with local service and innovative technologies available at CAD, enables us to maximize both physician and patient satisfaction.