HPV mRNA test
The mRNA HPV test is a test that detects the existence of oncoproteins E6/E7 of the HPV virus. Therefore, mRNA test assesses the oncogenic effect of the virus that is whether the infection is active. In other words, the test detects only those women that truly run the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Aptima mRNA HPV detects 14 high risk types, out of which 3 (16, 18 and 45) are responsible for 80% of all invasive cervical cancers, while 9 out of these types (16, 18, 45, 31, 33, 52, 58, 35 and 39) are responsible for more than >85% of cases of cervical cancer.
A negative Aptima mRNA HPV result does not necessarily mean that there are no other viral types that belong, however, to low-risk group for malignant transformation of the cells.
What is the difference between mRNA HPV and HPV DNA test?
HPV DNA test detects only the existence of HPV virus in the cervix. However, the distinction between an “active” or “inactive” infection is not possible.
On the other hand, the mRNA HPV test detects only active HPV infections, therefore is capable of tracing high-grade lesions. Compared to the HPV DNA test, the mRNA HPV is less often positive in low-grade lesions.
The mRNA HPV test can be used instead of the HPV DNA test under specific circumstances or in combination in complicated cases.