Comparison between Methods for Human Papillomavirus DNA Testing: A Model for Self-Testing in Young Women

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Abstract
This study examined the accuracy of samples obtained by women with Dacron swabs for testing for human papillomavirus (HPV). A total of 114 women obtained samples with the swabs and then had routine pelvic examinations done by nurse practitioners during which endocervical and exocervical samples were obtained by speculum-assisted technique. These samples were used for HPV DNA testing and cytology. The results of both sets of samples were compared. A total of 104 samples (91%) obtained by self-sampling were concordant with those obtained by speculumassisted technique. Thus, self-sampling with a Dacron swab appears to be an accurate and noninvasive method for obtaining samples for HPV DNA testing.