Researchers have developed a pioneering test that uses menstrual blood to detect human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. The test, which involves a sanitary pad with a blood sample strip, could offer a convenient, non-invasive alternative to traditional smear tests.
A study published in the BMJ medical journal compared the diagnostic accuracy of menstrual blood samples with clinician-collected samples. The research, involving 3,068 women aged 20 to 54 in Hubei, China, found that the pad-based test had a sensitivity of 94.7% for detecting cervical cell abnormalities (CIN2), comparable to the 92.1% sensitivity of clinician-collected samples.
While the pad test had lower specificity, the probability of a negative test correctly indicating no disease was identical for both methods. Referrals for further tests were also similar. The study authors concluded that menstrual blood HPV testing could serve as a standardised, non-invasive alternative for cervical cancer screening.
Cancer Research UK's health information manager, Sophie Brooks, said it was encouraging to see research exploring new ways to make screening more accessible, but noted that larger trials with diverse groups are needed. Xavier Bosch, emeritus researcher at the Catalan Institute of Oncology, called the work 'very pioneering' but still in the research phase.
Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of the Eve Appeal, welcomed the findings, saying the test could offer a gentler option for some women. However, she noted it would not work for everyone, such as menopausal women, and emphasised the importance of offering a choice of screening methods.
