Comparison of molecular assays for detection and typing of human papillomavirus

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare the performance of 3 different extraction instruments in conjunction with 4 different amplification and detection kits for detection and typing of human papillomavirus (HPV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). STUDY DESIGN: A total of 42 cervical swabs were investigated. HPV DNA was extracted on the 3 different instruments. Each of the extracts was then amplified, and HPV DNA amplification products were detected with 4 different kits. RESULTS: In 31 samples, HPV DNA was detected by both the Amplicor HPV test and the LINEAR ARRAY HPV genotyping test in conjunction with DNA extraction on the easyMAG instrument. In another 6 samples, only low-risk types were detected with the LINEAR ARRAY HPV genotyping test. After extraction on the easyMAG instrument, 32 samples tested positive when the PapilloCheck with the HotStarTaq DNA polymerase was used. CONCLUSION: Together with extraction on the easyMAG instrument, the Amplicor HPV test, the LINEAR ARRAY HPV genotyping test, and the new PapilloCheck with the HotStarTaq DNA polymerase provide comparable results allowing reliable and safe HPV diagnostics in the routine laboratory. Use of alternative assays may lead to an increase of invalid and divergent HPV typing results.