Best Practices for HPV DNA Tests in Cervical Screening

Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable and treatable cancers. Yet it disproportionately affects women in countries with low Human Development Index (HDI), where screening and treatment services often face systemic challenges.

Recognising this, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its 90-70-90 strategy in 2020 to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 with three key targets:

• 90% of girls fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15.
• 70% of women screened with a high-performance test by ages 35 and 45.
• 90% of women with pre-cancer treated and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed.

To achieve the second pillar, introducing high-performance HPV tests into national cervical cancer screening programs is critical.

Why Are HPV Tests Essential for Cervical Cancer Screening?

HPV tests are essential for cervical cancer screening because they are more sensitive and effective than older methods, like Pap smears or visual inspections with acetic acid (VIA). They detect high-risk HPV strains that cause cervical cancer, allowing earlier and more accurate identification of women at risk.

Key Benefits of HPV Tests:

• More Accurate Results: They reduce false negatives and identify more women who need treatment, ensuring earlier detection and target care.
• Less Frequent Testing: Women with negative HPV test results can wait longer between screenings, saving costs and burdens on health systems.
• Patient-Centred Options: Many HPV tests now allow for self-sampling, giving women the choice to collect samples themselves, eliminating the need for pelvic exams. This is especially important in settings where cultural or logistical barriers can dissuade women from seeking screening.
• Compatible with Existing Labs: These tests can often be run on equipment already used for other diagnostics, like COVID-19 or HIV tests, making them easier to implement while optimising resources.
• Reduced Healthcare Costs: Investing in HPV tests can significantly lower overall healthcare costs. Preventing cervical cancer through regular screening is far more cost-effective than treating advanced-stage cancer, making it a financially sustainable solution for national healthcare systems.

Best Practices for Procuring and Supplying HPV Tests to Meet WHO’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Goals

Introducing HPV tests into national or regional screening programs requires strategic planning and efficient supply chain management. Below are key recommendations for public and private procuring entities:

1. Align Procurement with WHO Recommendations

Ensure that the HPV tests being procured meet WHO standards for high-performance testing. These tests should:

• Be validated for detecting high-risk HPV strains.
• Be compatible with self-sampling or laboratory automation.
• Prove cost-effectiveness for large-scale screening programs.

With validated tests, healthcare organisations can build trust and ensure alignment with global health goals.

To learn more about WHO’s recommendations for cervical cancer screening and treatment, click here.

2. Use Existing Lab Infrastructure

Many HPV tests are compatible with platforms already used for other diagnostics, such as PCR machines. Leveraging these existing systems reduces the need for more investments and saves valuable time within screening programs.

Key steps include:

• Conducting a needs assessment of current laboratory capacities.
• Training laboratory staff on HPV test protocols.
• Planning for a steady supply of consumables, reagents, and sample collection kits.

3. Promote Self-Sampling for Greater Accessibility

Self-sampling makes screening easier and more accessible, by offering a discreet and convenient option for women to collect samples. This approach has shown high acceptability and effectiveness, particularly in countries with low-HDI, where geographic and cultural challenges may limit healthcare access.

To successfully roll it out:

• Distribute user-friendly self-sampling kits through community health programs or pharmacies.
• Educate communities on the importance of cervical cancer screening and how to use the kits.
• Ensure samples are collected, transported and processed quickly.

4. Invest in Training and Capacity Building

Healthcare workers and laboratory technicians must be trained at every level of the screening process—from sample collection to diagnosis and follow-up care for women. Training programs should cover:

• Explaining test results to patients.
• Counselling women on the importance of follow-up care.
• Integrating HPV testing into public health programs.

5. Ensure Reliable HPV test Supply Chain Management

Supply disruptions can hinder screening efforts. Ensuring consistent availability of HPV tests requires:

• Partner with trusted suppliers.
• Forecast demand based on population needs and program goals.
• Use inventory management systems to prevent stockouts.
• Maintain reliable transport and storage solutions to ensure test integrity, particularly in remote areas.

How Can NCDconnect Support Your HPV Test Procurement Needs?

NCDconnect is committed to enabling healthcare organisations to access high-quality medicines and medical devices against all four noncommunicable diseases—cancer diabetes, chronic respiratory disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

With this simple tool, healthcare organisations can adopt a value-based procurement approach—prioritising high-quality tests that deliver the best value by balancing cost-effectiveness, with long-term benefits. Buying entities not only optimise resources but also strengthen their cervical cancer screening programs, ultimately saving more lives.

To learn more about our Mission, click here.

Join the Movement to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

Every step toward better screening saves lives. By incorporating high-performance HPV tests into national programs, we can achieve WHO’s 90-70-90 targets and eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.

NCDconnect is here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can work towards eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.

Contact us to learn more about our HPV tests and how NCDconnect can assist you in strengthening your cervical cancer screening efforts. Or create your account to access our 200+ products against NCDs.