Mareck D G, Woolard D G
University of South Dakota Health Clinic, Vermillion.
Fam Pract Res J. 1991 Dec;11(4):405-14.
Two new tests recently became available for identifying cervical human papillomavirus (HPV). This study investigated the usefulness of the ViraPap and ViraType in the clinical setting. Thirty-six subjects considered to be at risk for HPV infection were examined; had specimens obtained for Papanicolaou smear (Pap smear), ViraPap, and ViraType; and were then referred for colposcopy. Results of these examinations were then compared to the findings of colposcopy and/or colposcopic biopsy. The sensitivity and specificity of the ViraPap in predicting an abnormality being found on colposcopic examination were 61.5% and 70%, respectively. Identifying the specific viral type by use of the ViraType did not prove to be clinically helpful in this population.
