Scientists looked at 2,800 women who were given the chance of taking a test at home.
Those with a positive result were invited for a repeat HPV test at a clinic. If the second was also positive it was more likely there were possibly cancerous cell changes.
While most women with HPV do not get cervical cancer, it is a major cause. Study author Professor Ulf Gyllensten, of Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, said: “Repeating reduces the number of women who are sent for other more invasive tests – when in fact they do not have any serious changes.”
The results, published in the British Journal of Cancer, showed that of 188 women who tested positive in the first test, only 44 had cervical changes on further testing.
Since April the HPV test has formed part of the NHS cervical screening programme.
Cancer Research UK said: “Screening saves lives, so we encourage women to do it.”
HPV, also known as genital wart virus, is often passed on through sexual contact.
Source: Daily Mirror
