HPV DNA testing is a procedure performed on women to detect high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus) infections. High-risk HPV infections can lead to changes in cervical cells and may develop into cervical cancer or other types of cancer, such as vaginal and anal cancer.

The purpose of HPV DNA testing is similar to the pap smear procedure, which is to detect cervical cancer early. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indonesia. HPV DNA testing can be done in conjunction with a pap smear as a cervical cancer screening, and it is recommended to be done routinely every 3-5 years.

"Most people are unaware that they are infected with HPV because some types of HPV do not cause symptoms or signs."

Women aged 30-65 are advised to undergo routine HPV DNA testing every 5 years, combined with a pap smear procedure.

In addition to women within that age range, HPV DNA testing is also recommended for women who have cervical cancer risk factors below: • Suffering from HIV • Having a weakened immune system • Exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth • Getting high-grade abnormal results (precancerous lesions) on a pap smear.

Generally, HPV infections do not cause any symptoms or signs, so individuals may not be aware that they are infected with HPV. Therefore, routine HPV DNA testing is necessary for the following purposes:

• Detecting cervical cell abnormalities and HPV infections in women aged 30 and older

• Further detecting the presence of high-risk HPV types in patients with pap smear results showing abnormal cervical cells

• Checking abnormal cervical cells after treatment for high-risk HPV infections.

Author: Dr. Nunung Dartini Wahyuningtyas, M.Sc., Sp.PK(K)., FISQua (Laboratory Manager at PRAMITA Clinical Laboratory, Jl. Osamaliki No. 90 Salatiga)