Detection of high-risk HPV types by the Hybrid Capture 2 test

A hybrid capture test that can be used to detect at least 13 high-risk HPV types (referred to collectively as HPV-HR) in cervical scrapes (Hybrid Capt ure 2 probe set B, HC2-B) was evaluated. The HC2-B test is accurate and hig hly reproducible and the results obtained show excellent agreement with tho se obtained by a multiplexed type-specific polymerase chain reaction (mts-P CR). An additional assay to identify a subset of HPV-HR types may improve s pecificity without compromising sensitivity in HC2-B positive specimens wit h a test result close to the cut-off value given by 1 pg/ml HPV DNA. (C) 20 01 Wiley-Liss, Inc.