Clinical sensitivity of HPV assays for the detection of high grade cervical disease in cervical samples treated with glacial acetic acid.

Background: Lysis of bloody liquid based cytology (LBC) specimens with glacial acetic acid (GAA) is performed to aid cytological interpretation. However, the influence of GAA treatment on HPV detection is not fully understood and in studies designed to assess this, few cases of high-grade disease have been included.

Objectives: To assess the sensitivity of HPV molecular tests for the detection of high grade cervical disease in GAA treated samples

Study Design: A total of 207 specimens associated with high grade dyskaryosis and treated with GAA were collated prospectively.