Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) – Genotyping
Consistent with O. Reg. 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, laboratory testing information on this page is only available in English because it is scientific or technical in nature and is for use only by qualified health care providers and not by members of the public.
This page provides genotyping testing information for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Public Health Ontario (PHO) does not perform tests for HPV. Specimens are referred to the National Microbiology Lab (NML) in Winnipeg for reference and confirmation only when HPV genotyping is required. Routine screening for HPV detection will be rejected as per NML acceptance and rejection criteria.
Testing Indications
The preferred methods for routine HPV diagnosis include molecular testing and immunohistochemistry. If molecular testing for routine cervical cancer screening or atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) triage is required, contact your local private community laboratory for submission and testing information.
NML offers HPV testing for reference and confirmation only when HPV genotyping is required to confirm a diagnosis of cancer or oropharyngeal lesions. If your request meets the NML patient criteria follow the specimen collection and handling instructions below.
Acceptance/Rejection Criteria
Please visit https://cnphi.canada.ca/gts/reference-diagnostic-test/4817?labld=1017
Specimen Requirements
Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) |
Biopsies or swabs in UTM |
2ml for swabs in UTM |
Sterile container for biopsies. |
Submission and Collection Notes
Complete all fields of the requisition form, including:
- Test(s) requests and indications for testing
- Patient setting/population/source
Label the specimen container(s) with the patient’s first and last name, date of collection, and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or health card number. For additional information see: Criteria for Acceptance of Patient Specimens. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.
Limitations
NML offers HPV testing for reference and confirmation only. Samples for routine cervical cancer screening or ASCUS triage are not accepted unless part of pre-arranged collaborative study.
Storage and Transport
Specimens collected by swab may be stored and shipped refrigerated to NML within 48h of specimen collection or must be stored and shipped frozen. Fresh biopsies must be always stored frozen and shipped on dry ice.
All clinical specimens must be shipped in accordance to the Transportation of Dangerous Good Act.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
HPV is a referred out test and is performed at the National Microbiology (NML) in Winnipeg.
Turnaround time is up to 28 business days from receipt at PHO.
HPV is detected using nested PCR followed by genotyping using Luminex technology at NML.
Refer to https://cnphi.canada.ca/gts/reference-diagnostic-test/4817?labId=1017 for more information on the assay, limitations, and genotypes detected.
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