HPV Test

A leading independent healthcare provider in the U.K., has incorporated human papillomavirus (HPV) testing using Digene's Hybrid Capture® HPV test to be used in their women's health screening program for the identification of cervical smear abnormalities. Evan Jones, Digene's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "BMI's utilization of HPV testing in their women's health program is a significant event. This program was developed through extensive research of current diagnostic technologies, reaffirming the importance and efficacy of Digene's HPV test in programs for the detection of cervical cancer."

The Hybrid Capture HPV DNA test, aids physicians in identifying women who are most at risk of having or developing cervical disease and cervical cancer. Digene's HPV test is used in the U.S as an adjunct to the Pap smear for cervical cancer screening and is being evaluated in selected European and South American countries as a primary cervical cancer screen either in conjunction with or separate from the Pap smear.

Additional tests for detection and viral load monitoring of major blood viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) have also been launched outside the U.S.

The HIV assay is available for research use only. The Company believes that Hybrid Capture represents a significant improvement over existing technologies because of its sensitivity, speed, ease-of-use, accuracy and ability to measure viral load.

SOURCE: Digene Corporation