Innovative One-Hour HPV Test Promises to Revolutionize Cervical Cancer Screening in Low-Resource Settings

A pioneering study led by Rice University introduces a rapid, cost-effective HPV testing method that provides results within an hour, requiring no specialized laboratory equipment. This breakthrough holds significant potential for improving cervical cancer screening, especially in low-resource environments where traditional testing methods are impractical. The novel test employs loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), a technique that amplifies DNA at a constant temperature, eliminating the need for complex temperature cycling. The process is simple: a cervicovaginal swab is chemically lysed, and the sample is directly added to the LAMP reagents, which are incubated in a portable heater and then read via fluorescence. It detects three high-risk HPV types—HPV16, HPV18, and HPV45—that collectively cause about 75% of cervical cancers, and includes a control to verify proper sample collection.

Clinical evaluations of the test demonstrated 100% agreement with standard methods in Houston and 93% in Maputo, Mozambique. The affordability of the test is estimated at under $8 per unit, and its battery-powered design makes it suitable for clinics lacking reliable electricity. This enables healthcare providers to deliver screening and treatment in a single visit, which is crucial for remote or underserved areas where follow-up is often challenging.

The development aims to meet the World Health Organization's goal to screen 70% of women worldwide by 2030. By simplifying the testing process, reducing costs, and delivering rapid results, this assay supports a shift towards 'screen-and-treat' strategies, reducing delays and losses to follow-up. The team is working to expand the test's capabilities to include additional HPV types and develop reagent formats that do not require refrigeration. Future plans include usability studies with frontline health workers and broader clinical deployments, with the overarching goal of making same-day diagnosis and treatment a global standard. This innovation underscores a crucial step toward eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-hour-hpv-cervical-cancer-screening.html