Table 1 Description of Screening Technologies
From: Estimating the cost of cervical cancer screening in five developing countries
Screening Technology | Test Performance (1) | Description |
|---|---|---|
Simple Visual Screening | Sensitivity: 67–79% Specificity: 49–86% | • Uses acetic acid to reveal acetowhite lesions • For abnormal results, some advocate use with immediate cryotherapy – "see and treat" in a single visit • Does not require special sample collection or laboratory processing equipment • Low level health personnel can be trained to perform • Personnel require supervision and retraining to maintain test performance • Quality Assurance/Quality Control difficult to assess • Generally requires 1–2 patient visits before treatment |
Cervical Cytology | Sensitivity: 47–62% Specificity: 60–95% | • Cervical smear taken and then sample prepared on slides or in liquid media for transport • Because sample is generally examined in a laboratory, more than one patient visit may be required prior to treatment • Sample collection equipment is minimal, but some laboratory equipment required • Laboratory processing requires trained cytotechnicians and cytopathologists • Human evaluation of samples requires supervision and retraining to maintain test performance • Established Quality Assurance/Quality Control methods exist • Generally requires 3 patient visits before treatment |
HPV DNA Testing with Hybrid Capture 2 | Sensitivity: 66–100% Specificity: 61–96% | • Cervical sample taken and prepared for transport • Because sample is generally tested in a laboratory, more than one patient visit may be required prior to treatment • Sample collection kit and laboratory equipment required • Laboratory processing is automated requiring fewer personnel resources with less training • Results are quantitative in nature • Established Quality Assurance/Quality Control methods exist • Generally requires 2–3 patient visits before treatment |