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Primary HPV cervical screening — DRCOG MCQ

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HardGynaecological OncologyPrimary HPV cervical screeningDRCOG

A cervical screening result reports that high-risk HPV was not detected and gives no cytology result. The woman is asymptomatic. Why was cytology not performed?

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Correct answer: D — Cytology triage is performed when high-risk HPV is detected

The best answer is “Cytology triage is performed when high-risk HPV is detected”. Primary screening first tests for high-risk HPV. When HPV is not detected, the sample does not proceed to cytology because the risk of significant cervical disease is very low; the person returns to the programme’s recall pathway.

Reference: NHS Cervical Screening Programme: good practice for sample takers: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-cervical-screening-programme-good-practice-guidance-for-sample-takers/nhs-cervical-screening-programme-good-practice-guidance-for-sample-takers