Human papillomavirus DNA and liquid-based cervical cytology cotesting in screening and follow-up patient groups.

Objective: To compare the use of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and cervical cytology cotesting in screening and follow-up of patients with previous cervical abnormalities and to assess the significance of a positive HPV DNA test result in re-screening of cytologically normal cases.

Study Design: Cellular samples collected in liquid-based fixative were used for both cervical cytology and HPV DNA testing. The cervical cytology slides were manually screened by cytotechnologists followed by rapid re-screening by pathologists.