Analysis of quantum 21 for HPV: rules for preparation and interpretation of study results

AdminDiagnostics of papilloma Today, medicine knows more than 100 strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Some strains can lead to the development of such serious pathologies as precancerous and cancerous diseases of the cervix, cancer of the male genital organs, cancer of the pharynx and rectum.

Timely diagnosis of HPV plays a major role in the prevention of these diseases. The most common way to detect HPV is the Quantum 21 test.

Advantages and disadvantages

Kvant-21 is widely used in the diagnosis of HPV.

Advantages of the method:

• high accuracy – the reliability of the analysis results reaches 100%;
• speed of diagnosis - the patient learns the results of the analysis on the day the biomaterial is submitted;
• data on the concentration of the virus - allows you to assess the infectious load and the degree of influence of the virus on the patient’s immunity;
• The analysis allows us to identify the stage of infection with the virus and select individual treatment tactics.

Reference! The disadvantage of the method is its relatively high cost: analysis of Kvant-21 is almost 2 times more expensive than Kvant-15.

Interpretation of HPV tests

The form of determined values ​​indicates the laboratory indicators of quantum 21, on the basis of which the result of the study is interpreted.

The doctor will inform the patient about the results of the study. The doctor will explain the values ​​of the indicators and suggest further tactics of antiviral therapy. The right approach will stop the impact of the infection and restore normal functioning of the body. The main task of the doctor is to select the current method of treatment. The main task of the patient is to see a doctor.

Quantum 21 is a unique technique that allows you to determine the presence of HPV and its effect on the human body. A person needs to understand that the study does not guarantee accuracy if the patient ignores the necessary rules. Before taking the PCR test, you should obtain full information about the specifics of the analysis.

The article has been reviewed by the site editors

Differences between HPV quantum-21 and quantum-15

The word "quantum" in the title of the study means number. Thus, Kvant-21 detects 21 types of papillomavirus, Kvant-15 detects only 15 types.

Kvant-21 examines a sample of biomaterial for the presence of strains: 6, 11, 16, 18, 26, 31, , 35, , 44, 45, , 52, , 56, , , , 73, 82. Only 11 and 44 types belong to to strains of low oncogenicity, other types have high oncogenicity.

Kvant-15 detects the presence of 15 HPV strains: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, , 58, 59, 68. Only 6 and 11 strains do not belong to high oncogenic risk types .

What it is

It's easy to get confused by the variety of virus strains. For example, HPV type 21 - what it is and how to live with it further is of great concern to those who are diagnosed with it. It belongs to the species Betapapillomavirus 1. Along with it, this type of HPV includes the following strains: 8, 12, 14, 19, 20, 25, 36, 47. They quite often cause the appearance of warts on the body.

In terms of oncogenicity, HPV type 21 belongs to the low-risk group. It is not capable of causing cancer of the cervix, larynx or genitals in men. However, warts provoked by this strain, with constant exposure to special factors, can undergo a process of malignancy (malignancy).

Pathogens of the Betapapillomavirus 1 species are divided into 2 categories:

1. Among the oncogenic strains of papillomaviruses, the most dangerous in this species are types 5, 8, 47, which cause squamous cell skin cancer. The most susceptible to this are the areas of the skin that are constantly exposed to ultraviolet radiation. In addition, warty dysplasias more often occur in people with poor heredity or reduced immune status.
2. HPV type 21, like strains 20,14, 25, has a low oncogenic risk and usually causes the appearance of benign growths.

Virus type 21, like most other strains of the Betapapillomavirus 1 species, against the background of a sharp decrease in immune status, can provoke the development of a rare disease - Lewandowski-Lutz verruciform epidermodysplasia. This pathology can transform into squamous cell carcinoma or Bowen's disease.

If primary signs of tissue dysplasia appear, the patient must undergo a full examination to identify the type of virus that provoked this condition and identify the oncogenic danger.

Preparing for analysis

The accuracy of the results depends not only on the qualifications of medical workers, but also on the correct preparation of the patient for submitting material for research.

The analysis should be taken during the period when new condylomas and papillomas appear on the body - this increases the possibility of obtaining the most reliable results.

Preparation rules:

• 3 weeks before the expected test, stop taking antibiotics, antiviral and other drugs. These medications affect the state of the microflora of the genital organs and can distort the test results.
• 3 days before collecting biomaterial, avoid sexual intercourse, including using a condom.
• The day before going to the doctor, stop using vaginal contraceptives, medicated tampons and ointments.
• Before taking tests, do not wash yourself with intimate hygiene products and antibacterial soap, do not take baths, and avoid douching.
• Do not empty your bladder 2-3 hours before the procedure - urine has an antibacterial effect and may affect the results of the study.

Before taking the test, it is not recommended to specifically give up alcohol and cigarettes (if used systematically) and switch to a strict healthy diet. Temporary changes in lifestyle reduce the reliability of the study.

Some doctors, on the contrary, advise the patient to drink a little alcohol some time before the test and include salty foods (smoked meats, sausages, beer snacks) in the diet to weaken local immunity.

Immediately after infection, the test results for papillomavirus will be negative. The study can be carried out no earlier than 3-4 weeks after the expected date of infection. See also the material on the topic: HPV type 16, quantitative analysis, decoding.

Important!

The test is not carried out during menstruation; the test can be taken 2-3 days after the bleeding has stopped.

Reasons for appearance

Regardless of the type of HPV, there are common causes of this pathology:

• sharply reduced immune status (congenital or acquired);
• too early onset of sexual activity;
• casual sexual intercourse without the use of barrier contraception;
• chronic foci of infection in the body;
• frequent inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system;
• endocrine pathologies;
• bad habits (alcohol abuse, smoking, use of drugs for non-medical purposes);
• therapy that suppresses the body's unwanted immune responses;
• numerous abortions;
• sexually transmitted diseases;
• long-term use of oral hormonal contraceptives.

Most often, a viral disease is activated when there is a clear decrease in the body’s immunity, when there is heavy physical or mental stress, and also if the body is in a constant state of stress.

Material collection technology

To carry out the analysis, a sample of epithelial cells is taken from the walls of the cervix, cervical canal or urethra. In women, biomaterial is collected by a gynecologist, in men - by a urologist.

During the collection process and a day after the procedure, the patient may experience minor pain. If the pain continues for several days, you should consult a doctor.

Urethra

Before removing a sample for examination, the entrance to the urethra is disinfected and cleaned in the presence of purulent discharge. A sterile probe with bristles at the end is carefully inserted into the urethral cavity and the epithelial layer is removed. The resulting material is transferred to a glass slide and sent to the laboratory.

Cervical canal

Using a cotton swab, the surface of the vagina and cervix is ​​cleaned of mucus and secretions and treated with saline solution.

An applicator with bristles at the end is inserted into the vagina and a small amount of epithelial cells is scraped off. The sample is immediately sent for testing.

Cervix

The algorithm for taking a sample for HPV testing from the cervix does not differ from the method of collecting biomaterial from the walls of the cervical canal. The main thing is to thoroughly clean the surface of the cervix from secretions.

HPV diagnostic methods

The following research methods allow you to detect HPV, establish its type, and assess the risk of atypical degeneration:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (ELISA) - used for early diagnosis of the disease before characteristic external signs appear. When a virus enters the body, the immune system produces immunoglobulin (specific antibodies) to fight it. These antibodies are detected by an immunological analysis of HPV DNA.
• HPV is one of the few microorganisms that have their own DNA, which can be detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The study reveals the fact of infection, the type of virus, and their number.
• Digene test - an amplification test, in addition to quantitative parameters, allows you to assess the oncogenicity of the virus. For examination, a scraping of the mucous membrane is made.
• Cytological method - studying biomaterial under a microscope allows you to isolate cells modified by the virus. Class 1-2 – not dangerous to health, class 3 – questionable result, class 4-5 – high probability of developing an oncological process.
• Histological method is necessary to confirm or exclude a cancerous tumor if a cytological examination reveals class 3-5 cells.

In women, condylomas on the cervix can be detected using colposcopic examination. The colposcope provides multiple magnification, allowing you to notice the smallest condylomas, as well as atypical changes in the epithelium.

Decoding the results

DNA extraction
The test will show a positive result if viral DNA is present in the patient's body. However, even its absence does not always guarantee that a person is completely healthy.

The reasons for a negative result may also be a very low viral concentration, which is not recorded in the laboratory. This may show either the initial stage of the disease, when the papillomavirus has not yet been activated, or the state of the body after treatment.

The results of the study are deciphered as follows:

• < 3 Lg – the concentration of the virus is completely absent or extremely low;
• 3 Lg-5 Lg – average level of viral load, the risk of cervical dysplasia cannot be excluded;
• 5 Lg – a high concentration of the virus, an indicator of a rapidly progressing disease.

During diagnosis, the risk of obtaining false positive results is also possible, but the frequency of such cases is very low. This can happen due to incompetent collection or storage of the patient’s biomaterial, as well as due to non-compliance with the rules for preparing for testing.

Treatment

Clinicians warn patients about the dangers of self-removal of tumors caused by HPV type 21. The fact is that treating warts and papillomas with acids, alkalis, celandine juice and other folk remedies can cause a chemical burn, which provokes malignant degeneration of cells.

After determining the cause of its appearance and how the growth can be cured, the doctor prescribes complex therapy aimed at removing tumors and increasing the body’s immunity. It is recommended to remove only growths that are subject to frequent friction, pressure, compression, or can be injured during shaving.

Wart removal methods:

• excision with a scalpel;
• laser removal;
• cryogenic freezing;
• coagulation by electric current.

The choice of method depends on the technical equipment of the clinic, the professionalism of the doctor, the individual characteristics of the patient’s body and his financial capabilities.

Treatment of papillomas at home with cryogenic agents sold in pharmacies is possible only as prescribed by a specialist.

Preventive measures

The basis of preventive measures to prevent infection with HPV type 21 is compliance with the rules of personal hygiene. You should wash your hands after going to the toilet or being in public places. It should become the norm to clean your brushes immediately after coming home. Each family member should have an individual towel and washcloth. It is unacceptable to use someone else's clothing; you should avoid bodily contact with people who have warts or papillomas.

An important measure to prevent infection is the normalization of sexual relations. Casual relationships and frequent changes of partners should be avoided. A healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits, high-quality, nutritious nutrition allow you to maintain your defenses. The immune system is the main enemy of the virus; the antibodies it produces attack the pathogen and prevent it from entering the body. If infection occurs, a strong immune system helps keep the disease in an inactive phase and prevents the appearance of growths.

Symptoms

Most often, HPV type 21 appears on those parts of the body that have been in contact with contaminated objects:

• hands, fingers, palms of the upper limbs;
• neck area;
• lips and nose area;
• feet and fingers of the lower extremities;
• belt where the skin comes into contact with the underwear.

Visually, warts look like dense growths formed by keratinized epithelial cells. They usually have a flesh color that is slightly lighter than the normal skin color. If you carefully examine the formation, you will notice black inclusions inside it, which are capillaries damaged by infection.

Warts are usually round in shape with smooth edges. They fit tightly to the skin and lack a stem. Adjacent skin does not show any changes. Such neoplasms do not cause pain. Some of them may disappear on their own after 1.5-2 years. But the pathology can also recur, indicating that the virus is still present in the body.

When to contact a specialist

If papillomas begin to appear on a woman’s skin (especially in the form of genital warts), then you should not postpone a visit to your doctor to rule out the oncogenic nature of the rashes. The virus is insidious in its ability to develop in the body for a long time without showing any symptoms.

After 30 years of age, women are recommended to get tested for HPV annually.

The trigger for the active development of the virus can be:

• Hormonal surge during egg maturation, during menopause;
• Pregnancy;
• Weakened immunity due to surgery or a serious illness;
• Long-term treatment with antibiotics;
• Pathological changes in some organs;
• Bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse, taking drugs);
• Malfunctions of the nervous system.

How is it transmitted?

Infection with type 21 virus most often occurs through household contact. This may be direct contact with a carrier of a viral infection or with objects that have been infected with the virus. Outside the human body, the pathogen can exist for up to 3 hours. And after contact with the skin or mucous membranes, it penetrates through minor damage to their integrity. This happens especially quickly in places where profuse sweating occurs.

Often, the patient himself contributes to the spread of HPV elements throughout the body by touching the wart with a finger or palm that has damage. Human papilloma type 21 infection in women most often occurs due to unprotected sexual intercourse. Moreover, the risk increases significantly with frequent changes of sexual partners.

What do the analysis results say?

People far from medicine would like to know what the letter and numeric values ​​present on papers with research results mean. The test results may be as follows:

0-3 (HPV/105) – the viral load is insignificant from a clinical point of view;

3–5 Lg (HPV/105) – the viral load is more significant, there is a risk of dysplasia (pathological changes in tissue);

5 and higher Lg (HPV/105) – high viral load, and, as a result, a high risk of developing dysplasia.