To evaluate the utility of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA detection, we conducted a study to determine accuracy of Hybrid capture test kit for detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cancer by biopsy results.

We enrolled women referred to a colposcopy clinic. All 2010 women had a sample for HPV DNA test and underwent colposcopically directed biopsies or loop electrode excision procedure. We used the Hybrid capture I test kit for HPV testing.

Among 681 women with biopsy specimens showing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III and in 470 with cervical carcinoma, 73.4% and 76.4% had high-risk HPV DNA detected. Of 163 women with ASCUS on Papanicolaou smear, 65.8% had high-risk HPV DNA detected, and of 232 with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, 48.0% had high-risk HPV detected.

High-risk HPV testing appears to be of value to identify women with high grade cervical intraepithelial lesion and cervical cancer. But it does not appear to be of value to identify women with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions.