Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first DNA test that identifies the two human papillomavirus (HPV) strains which account for 70% of cervical cancers in the United States.

Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first DNA test that identifies the two human papillomavirus (HPV) strains which account for 70% of cervical cancers in the United States .

The test, called Cervista HPV 16/18, detects the DNA sequences for HPV types 16 and 18 in cells of the cervix, potentially helping health care professionals to better identify women at higher risk for developing cervical cancer. The FDA also approved a second DNA test called the Cervista HPV HR test, which detects all of the high-risk HPV strains.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, and it is estimated that more than 6 million Americans are infected with genital HPV every year. The Cervista HPV 16/18 could be used in combination with routine PAP smears to better guide the management of patients who are at risk for cervical cancer.

Source

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), News Release, March 13, 2009.