The DuoPap is a combined test consisting of the Pap test and the High Oncogenic Risk HPV Test.
The Pap test is a cytological examination, which is a laboratory examination that, through the analysis of the cervical cells allows early detection of cervical cancer formation. The analysis of the sample of cells taken during the Pap test can be of two types: Traditional or liquid phase (thin-prep).
High-risk oncogenic HPV testing is a laboratory test known as HPV testing or DNA HPV testing that is performed by the gynecologist to check the cervix of patients for traces of Papillomavirus, infections which could cause cervical cancer.
The performance of the two examinations that make up DuoPap is similar. DuoPap cannot be performed during the menstrual cycle and in the 5 days before or after; it is also recommended not to have sexual intercourse in the 24 hours prior to performance, not to use intimate deodorants, spermicidal products, creams, gels, ovules, or vaginal foams in the 48 hours prior to performing DuoPap .
Thesuccessful outcome of DuoPap or either of its two component examinations does not necessarily imply the possibility that cervical cancer is developing but rather implies the presence of abnormal cells, the nature of which must be investigated with further follow-up examinations such as colposcopy and cervical biopsy.
