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Test Code HPVAN High-Risk Human Papilloma Virus Assay, Anal

Important Note

ThinPrep collection kits are available from Hospital Stores, Oracle #130231.

Infectious

Specimen and Container/Tube

Anus or rectum

PreservCyt ThinPrep Pap test vial

Collection Instructions

Procedure for collection of an anal specimen for Pap and HPV testing:

1. Visualize the anal opening by retracting the buttocks.

2. Insert Dacron or polyester swab past internal anal sphincter until it abuts the distal rectal wall (4-5cm).

3. Rotate the swab 360 degrees and maintain lateral pressure on swab against the walls of the anus. The swab should bow slightly due to the pressure.

4. While rotating, slowly withdraw the swab.

5. Rotate at least 10 times while withdrawing the swab. This should take 20 to 30 seconds.

6. Immediately place swab in the ThinPrep solution. Swish at least 20 to 30 seconds in the ThinPrep solution.

7. Dispose of the swab.

8. Tighten the cap so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial.

9. Bag ThinPrep specimens individually as they tend to leak during transport.

10. Place labels on the vial and on the biohazard bag.

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Specimen Handling and Transport Instructions

See UCMC collection instructions

Sample in ThinPrep test vial can be stored at 2-8C for up to 30 days prior to testing.

Rejection Criteria

Perirectal or perianal

Specimen containing CytoRich Red preservative fluid

Reference Values

Negative for human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68

Critical Values

NA

Clinical Indications

Persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause anal cancer, with approximately 90% of all anal cancers being associated with HPV infection. HPV is a small, nonenveloped, double-stranded DNA virus, with a genome of approximately 8000 nucleotides. There are more than 118 different types of HPV and approximately 40 different HPVs that can infect human anogenital mucosa. However, data suggests that 14 of these types (HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68) are high risk (HR) for the development of cervical and anal cancer and precursor lesions.

Methodology

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

CPT Codes

87624

LOINC Codes

30687624

Volume

A minimum of 20 mL or entire collection

Turnaround Time

Monday through Saturday

Test Components

The assay is able to specifically assess for the presence or absence of HPV genotypes 16 and 18, while concurrently detecting the remaining 12 high-risk types (31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68).

Synonyms/Search Keywords

HPV
Human papillomavirus
HPV anal

Last Reviewed Date

9/22/2026