Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector Test? 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA-based virus that can be transmitted from one body to another. It primarily infects the skin or mucosal cells in the body. HPV can also be referred to as a group of viruses found in the body’s moist surfaces. In total, there are around 150 varieties of HPV that might cause harm to the human body. Out of all HPV types, 14 are considered to be highly risky for humans. HPV 16 and HPV 18 are two types of HPV that might even lead to cervical cancer. HPV 16 and HPV 18 are responsible for around 70% of total cervical cancer cases on the planet. Sometimes HPV infection might even be asymptomatic (without any symptoms). People often experience skin warts due to HPV infection. HPV also leads to warts in the mucous membrane. However, the biggest threat of HPV is its impact on the genitals of men and women. 

Most people think that HPV only impacts women and leads to cervical cancer. Well, you should know that not all HPV types lead to cervical cancer. Besides women, HPV might also show its impact on men. Around 30 varieties of HPV can damage the genitals in men and women. A few of these HPV types might even lead to cancer in the genital area. Besides cancer in the cervix region, HPV might also lead to cancer in the anus, vulva, vagina, and throat. HPV infection is a type of STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) and spreads due to intimate skin contact. Sometimes, symptoms of HPV might occur after a long time. Even though HPV infection might get severe at later stages, you can still protect yourselves. A Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector test can help you detect the presence of HPV in the body. With a timely diagnosis, you can take the necessary steps to eliminate HPV from your body. Read on to understand more about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector test.

Who Should Get a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector Test? 

As discussed above, HPV infection might not show any bodily symptoms. For the same reason, it is important to take a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector test at frequent intervals. Women aged between 30 and 65 are more vulnerable to cervical cancer. Women within the given age group might need an HPV test to rule out cervical cancer. Women that have got an abnormal pap smear test result need the HPV test immediately. People who made intimate contact with a person suffering from HPV infection also need an HPV test. Males might also need a related lab test after they start experiencing warts in the skin. For women aged below 30, HPV infection is usually not risky. Sometimes, HPV infection in younger women heals without any special treatment. However, it does not mean you can ignore the importance of a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector test. 

Why Get Tested for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector? 

If you ignore an HPV infection for a long, it might lead to severe consequences. HPV infections that lead to cancer require immediate treatment. For example, you might beat cervical cancer by receiving treatment during the early stages. Sometimes, you might need the pap smear and HPV test simultaneously. When a pap smear and HPV test are performed simultaneously, it is called co-testing. You might need co-testing immediately after showing symptoms of cervical cancer. To protect yourself from the risk of cervical cancer and infection in the genitals, you need a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector test. Males also need a lab test after coming in sexual contact with an infected individual. Since HPV infection might not show any symptoms, a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector test is the only option to detect the infection. 

When Get Tested for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector? 

Experts suggest that women aged between 30 and 65 should take a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector test once a year. Women can also take a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector test once a couple of years to rule out the presence of cervical cancer. Women that have received abnormal pap smear test reports need a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector test immediately. For men, there isn’t a standard Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector test. However, men might have to take an anal pap test to determine an HPV infection. Healthy individuals can also take an HPV test once in a while to stay protected. By regular HPV testing, you can determine any abnormality in its early stage. 

Sample Required

For a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector test, a sample from the cervix region is collected. With a small spatula or brush, the doctor/lab technician collects sample cells from the cervix region. A tissue sample from the vagina might also be collected to test the presence of HPV infection. However, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector test is widely used to determine the presence of cancer in the cervix region. Sometimes, the provider might collect a second sample from the cervix region. It might happen when an HPV test is followed by a pap smear test. 

Is Fasting Required Before a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector Test? 

You don’t have to fast before taking a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Detector test. Even though you don’t have to fast, the doctor might ask for some preparations before an HPV test. The doctor might ask the patient to stop sex before an HPV test. You also might have to stop vaginal medicines or douching before taking an HPV test. Sometimes, doctors do not suggest taking an HPV test during the menstrual period. A better sample can be collected after the menstrual period ends for an HPV test.