HPV Sentinel Sites Implementation Project

HPV Sentinel Sites Implementation Project

Experience gained from the HPV triage pilots has enabled the programme to move forward with HPV triage of borderline changes and mild dyskaryosis and testing will now be introduced to the programme. Data from the original pilots indicated a large initial increase in the number of referrals to colposcopy followed by a reduction in referrals, which might be particularly apparent where current practice is to refer on the second occurrence of mild dyskaryosis. Therefore, the introduction of HPV triage, initially in a small number of centres will be carefully managed.

For the woman this will mean that any woman who has a cervical screening test result of borderline changes or mild dyskaryosis for the first time 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 age. Women found to have borderline changes or mild dyskaryosis when attending for early repeat screening due to a previous abnormality will not be HPV tested, but managed in the usual way.

In addition to HPV triage, the Sentinel Sites Implementation Project will also include a 'Test of Cure'. This means that women treated for CIN will have an HPV test along with their cervical screening test at six months following their treatment. If both of these tests are normal then the women will not be recalled for screening for a further three years. If, however, the screening test at six months does show an abnormality and/or HPV is found, the women will be referred again to colposcopy.

HPV Triage Powerpoint Presentation

Fact sheets: HPV testing for women with cervical screening results showing borderline or mild dyskaryosis

This is designed to be given to women in the sentinel sites when they are invited for a routine screening test. It is also available in six foreign languages.