The digene HC2 High-Risk HPV DNA Test should be used as an initial population screening test, with or without a Pap test, and to screen patients with ASC-US (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) results to determine the need for referral to colposcopy. The results of this test are not intended to prevent women from proceeding to colposcopy.
Guidelines for use of the digene HC2 High-Risk HPV Test vary among countries, but in many countries, experts recommend that women 30 years of age and older get the HPV Test along with the Pap test. This is the age group in which HPV infections are most likely to be persistent and result in cervical cancer. The presence or absence of high-risk HPV types, together with the physician's risk assessment of cytology history, other risk factors, and professional guidelines, may be used to guide patient management.