Comparison of Detection Sensitivity for Human Papillomavirus between Self-collected Vaginal Swabs and Physician-collected Cervical Swabs by Electrochemical DNA Chip

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing is an effective method to screen for precancerouschanges in the cervix. Samples from self-collection rather than Pap smear can potentially be used to test forHPV as they are more acceptable and preferred for use in certain settings. The objective of this study was tocompare HPV DNA testing from self-collected vaginal swabs and physician-collected cervical swabs. Materialsand
Methods: A total of 101 self-collected vaginal and physician-collected cervical swabs of known cytologyfrom Thai women were tested by electrochemical DNA chip assay. The specimens were divided into 4 groups:29 with normal cytology, 14 with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), 48 with lowgradesquamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), and 10 with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL).
Results: Positive detection rates of HPV from self-collected swabs were similar to those from physician-collectedswabs. Among specimens with abnormal cytology, HPV was found in 50% of self-collected swabs and 47.2%of physician-collected swabs. In specimens with normal cytology, 17.2% of self-collected swabs and 24.1% ofphysician-collected swabs were positive for HPV. Concordance was relatively high between results from selfcollectedand physician-collected samples. The most common HPV genotype detected was HPV 51.
Conclusions:HPV DNA testing using self-collected swabs is a feasible alternative to encourage and increase screening forcervical cancer in a population who might otherwise avoid this important preventive examination due toembarrassment, discomfort, and anxiety.