Why was this study done, and why is it important?
This study was performed to assess the efficacy and accuracy of HR-HPV Screening using menstrual blood collected on the Q-Pad.
When we talk about HPV, we are talking about cancer. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of sexually transmitted viruses. There are over 200 strains (kinds) of HPV, and all are transmitted by genital tissue coming into contact with another person. HPV is very common, so much so that most people will come into contact with HPV within months of becoming sexually active. There are two broad categories of HPV: high- risk (HR-HPV), and low-risk HPV. Males and Females can both be infected with (and spread) HPV. Virtually all cervical cancers are caused by HR-HPV.
Worldwide, HR-HPV causes around 5% of all cancers, cervical cancer being among the most common. Forty years ago, cervical cancer was the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among American women, and while this statistic has improved in the US, cervical cancer maintains its high mortality rate in low and middle-income countries.
Currently, the only FDA approved test for HR-HPV requires use of cervical swabs or pap smears that are used to detect the virus. Overall, fewer women are getting screened for HR-HPV. During the pandemic, up to 80% fewer women were screened for HR-HPV than prior years. And even with lockdown restrictions ending, screening rates are not returning to normal.
Our study looked to see if HR-HPV can be detected in menstrual blood through a non-invasive collection method, the Q-Pad.