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Hybrid capture is a molecular test capable of diagnosing the HPV virus even though the first symptoms of the disease have not appeared. It allows identifying 18 types of HPV, dividing them into two groups:
- Low-risk group (group A): they do not cause cancer and are 5 types;
- High risk group (group B): they can cause cancer and there are 13 types.
The result of the hybrid capture is given by the RLU / PC ratio. The result is considered positive when the RLU / PCA ratio for group A viruses and / or RLU / PCB for group B viruses is equal to or greater than 1.
See what are the symptoms of HPV.
What is it for
The hybrid capture test is to help diagnose HPV infection and should be done by all women who have had a change in the Pap smear or who are within the risk group for HPV, such as those who have many sexual partners .
In addition, the test can also be done in men, when there is some change observed in peniscopy or when there is a risk of being infected by the virus.
Check out the main ways to get HPV and how to prevent it.
How the exam is done
The hybrid capture test is done by scraping a small sample of vaginal mucus in the cervix, vagina or vulva. This test can also be done with anal or buccal secretion. In man, the material used comes from secretions from the glans, urethra or penis.
The collected material is placed in a test tube and sent to the laboratory for analysis. In the laboratory, the sample is processed by semi-automated equipment, which performs the reactions and from the results obtained, releases the laboratory conclusion, which is analyzed by the doctor.
The hybrid capture exam does not hurt, but the person may experience some discomfort at the time of collection.
How to prepare for the exam
To perform the hybrid capture exam, the woman must make an appointment with a gynecologist and not have sexual intercourse 3 days before the consultation, not be menstruating and have not used any type of shower or vaginal wash for 1 week, as these factors can alter the fidelity of the exam and give a false-positive or false-negative result.
The preparation of the hybrid capture exam in men also includes not having sex 3 days before and in the case of collection through the urethra, also being at least 4 hours without urinating and in case of collection through the penis, being a minimum of 8 hours without local hygiene.