Experience gained from the HPV triage pilots1 has enabled the programme to move forward with HPV triage of borderline changes and mild dyskaryosis and testing will now be introduced into the programme. Data from the pilots indicated a large initial increase in the number of referrals to colposcopy followed by a reduction in referrals. This might be particularly apparent where current practice is to refer on the second occurrence of mild dyskaryosis.
Where HPV triage is implemented, any woman who has a cervical screening test result of borderline changes or mild dyskaryosis will automatically have an HPV test performed on her sample. If HPV is found she will be referred for colposcopy and if HPV is not found she will be returned to routine screening every 3 or 5 years depending on her age.
In addition to HPV triage, an HPV 'Test of Cure' is being introduced for women who have undergone treatment for CIN. This means that HPV tests will be carried out on samples from women who have a normal, borderline or mild screening test result after treatment for CIN. If HPV is not found then a woman will not be recalled for screening for a further three years. If it is found, however, or the screening test does show an abnormality she will be referred again to colposcopy.
HPV triage and test of cure protocol flowchart (PDF 65Kb)
Fact sheets: HPV testing Information for Women
English HPV Testing Fact Sheet (275Kb PDF)
This fact sheet is designed to be given to women upon invitation for screening (including early repeat testing) and to women who have undergone treatment for CIN.
Arabic HPV Testing Fact Sheet (101Kb PDF)
Bengali HPV Testing Fact Sheet (81Kb PDF)
Simplified Chinese HPV Testing Fact Sheet (172Kb PDF)
Punjabi HPV Testing Fact Sheet (37Kb PDF)
Turkish HPV Testing Fact Sheet (58Kb PDF)
Urdu HPV Testing Fact Sheet (248Kb PDF)
More information about HPV and cervical screening