In a major development for cervical cancer prevention, doctors' offices in the United States will soon offer a new self-collect test for the human papillomavirus (HPV). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a self-swab test, allowing patients to conveniently collect samples in a private room inside a doctor's office, mobile clinic, or other healthcare facility.

Global medical technology company Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) announced that it has started shipping its self-swab kits, called the BD Onclarity HPV Assay, to doctors' offices. These kits will begin arriving at healthcare facilities later this month, allowing more individuals to undertake HPV screening easily.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. and can lead to various potentially fatal cancers, including cervical cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Annually, HPV causes approximately 36,000 cases of cancer in both men and women in the country.

Traditionally, HPV screening involves a Pap smear, where a small brush is used to gently collect cells from the cervix's surface and its surrounding area. However, this procedure may be uncomfortable for many individuals due to past negative experiences or personal preferences, including social or religious considerations. Speculums and medical stirrups may also be used during traditional exams.

By introducing self-collected swab tests, BD aims to provide a less invasive alternative for patients, ensuring that more people, especially those residing in underserved areas, can access HPV screening. The self-swab allows patients to insert the swab and collect the sample themselves, even at primary care doctor's offices. The swabs are then sent to a lab, which will communicate the results to the ordering doctor, who will subsequently update the patient.

Dr. Jeff Andrews, a board-certified gynecologist and vice president of global medical affairs for diagnostic solutions at BD, highlighted the significance of self-collection, especially for those who have not been screened in the last five years or have never been screened. He emphasized that this development changes the conversation about screening and is a vital step towards eliminating cervical cancer. The self-collect test provides simplicity, privacy, and ease of use, facilitating access to potential life-saving testing for individuals facing various challenges, ranging from socio-economic factors to personal reasons.

In May, the FDA also approved a similar HPV self-collection test developed by pharmaceutical company Roche Holding AG. However, Roche has not provided any updates on the availability of their test yet.

BD has expressed its intent to make the HPV self-screening test eventually available for at-home use. However, this will require specific FDA approval for at-home collection, which the company anticipates could be granted by the end of the year, paving the way for even more accessible HPV screening.

With the introduction of self-collect HPV tests, the medical community takes a significant stride in preventive healthcare. By offering a convenient and less-intrusive option, these tests have the potential to increase screening rates, particularly among those who may have been hesitant or unable to undergo traditional screening methods. Ultimately, this development brings us closer to the goal of eradicating cervical cancer in our lifetimes.

Note: This news article is based on information provided by Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.