A New Brazilian Device for Cervical Cancer Screening: Acceptability and Accuracy of Self-sampling

Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2023 May;45(5):235-241. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1770134. Epub 2023 Jun 20.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy and patient acceptability toward self-sampling using a new device - SelfCervix® - for detecting HPV-DNA.

Methods: A total of 73 women aged 25-65 who underwent regular cervical cancer screening from March to October 2016 were included. Women performed self-sampling followed by a physician-sampling, and the samples were analyzed for HPV-DNA. After that, patients were surveyed about their acceptability of self-sampling.

Results: HPV-DNA detection rate of self-sampling presented high accuracy and was similar to physician-collection. Sixty-four (87.7%) patients answered the acceptability survey. Most patients (89%) considered the self-sampling comfortable, and 82.5% preferred self-sampling to physician-sampling. The reasons cited were time-saving and convenience. Fifty-one (79.7%) reported that they would recommend self-sampling.

Conclusion: Self-sampling using the new Brazilian device SelfCervix® is not inferior in HPV-DNA detection rate compared with physician-collection, and patients are supportive of the method. Therefore, it might be an option to reach under-screened populations in Brazil.

Objetivo: Avaliar a acurácia e aceitabilidade da auto-coleta utilizando um novo coletor - SelfCervix® - para a detecção de DNA de HPV. MéTODOS: Foram incluídas no estudo 73 mulheres com idade entre 25–65 anos que realizaram seu rastreamento regular do câncer de colo do útero entre Março e Outubro de 2016. Estas mulheres realizaram a auto-coleta, seguida de coleta profissional e as amostras foram analisadas para a presença de DNA de HPV. Após, elas responderam um questionário sobre a experiência da auto-coleta.

Resultados: As taxas de detecção de DNA de HPV por auto-coleta foram altas e similares as da coleta profissional. Sessenta e quatro (87,7%) pacientes responderam o questionário de experiência. A maioria (89%) considerou a auto-coleta confortável, e 82,5% preferiram o método comparado a coleta profissional. As razões citadas foram economia de tempo e conveniência. Cinquenta e uma (79,7%) mulheres confirmaram que recomendariam a auto-coleta. CONCLUSãO: Auto-coleta utilizando o novo coletor desenvolvido no Brasil não é inferior na detecção de DNA de HPV quando comparada a coleta profissional, e apresenta uma boa aceitabilidade pelas mulheres. Desta maneira, pode ser uma opção para alcançar populações que não realizam o rastreamento padrão.

MeSH terms

  • Brazil
  • Early Detection of Cancer / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening
  • Papillomaviridae
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Self Care
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms* / prevention & control
  • Vaginal Smears