HPV Self-collection Solution Approved by FDA Free

Today, Roche announced the approval of a human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collection solution, one of the first now available in the United States, which could reduce barriers to screening and cut the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer every year; nearly all cases of the disease are caused by high-risk strains of HPV, notably HPV 16 and HPV 18. The self-collection solution—approved for use with the company’s cobas HPV test—means that patients can privately obtain their own vaginal sample, after which it is sent to a laboratory for analysis. “Patients who receive a positive HPV result would then continue their care with a health care provider,” the company says.