Comparison of CINtec PLUS cytology and cobas HPV test for triaging Canadian patients with LSIL cytology referred to colposcopy: A two-year prospective study

OBJECTIVES & METHODS: CINtec PLUS and cobas HPV tests were compared for triaging patients referred to colposcopy with a history of LSIL cytology in a 2-year prospective study. Cervical specimens were tested once at enrollment, and test positivity rates determined. Test performance was ascertained with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2 [Formula: see text]) and CIN3 or worse (CIN3 [Formula: see text]) serving as clinical endpoints. RESULTS: In all ages, (19–76 years, [Formula: see text] 598), 44.3% tested CINtec PLUS positive vs. 55.4% HPV positive ([Formula: see text] 0.001). To detect CIN2 [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] 99), CINtec PLUS was 81.8% sensitive vs. 93.9% for HPV testing ([Formula: see text] 0.009); genotype 16/18-specific sensitivity was 46.5%. Specificity was 52.9% vs. 36.6%, respectively ([Formula: see text] 0.001). In all ages, to detect CIN3 [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] 44), sensitivity was 93.2% for both tests; genotype 16/18-specific sensitivity was 52.3%. Specificity was 48.4% for CINtec PLUS vs. 31.1% for HPV testing ([Formula: see text] 0.001). In patients [Formula: see text] 30 years, CINtec was 91.7% sensitive vs 95.8% for HPV testing ([Formula: see text] 0.549). CONCLUSIONS: CINtec PLUS or cobas HPV test could serve as a predictor of CIN3 [Formula: see text] with high sensitivity in patients referred to colposcopy with a history of LSIL regardless of age while significantly reducing the number of LSIL referral patients requiring further investigations and follow-up in colposcopy clinics.