Rio de Janeiro expands HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening

The Rio de Janeiro State Health Secretariat (SES-RJ) is expanding the availability of HPV DNA testing to improve cervical cancer screening. This technology, which began being implemented in the state public health network in February, aims to identify the virus before lesions develop, thereby reducing false-negative rates.

Compared to the traditional Papanicolaou test, which has an accuracy of approximately 50%, the HPV DNA test offers a precision rate near 100%. This advancement allows for a preventive screening interval of up to five years. As of the latest report, 60,503 samples have already been analyzed.

The state intends to make the method available in all gynecological care units by the end of this year. To support this rollout, SES-RJ has trained primary care professionals and distributed testing kits to municipalities. The new protocol is directed at the population aged 25 to 64.