HR HPV Reflex to LBC Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About HR HPV Reflex to LBC Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | HR-HPV Reflex to LBC, HPV DNA with Reflex Cytology, HPV-LBC Co-test, High-Risk HPV Reflex Test, Cervical Cancer Co-screening |
| Sample Type | Cervical sample (liquid-based cytology medium) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 4 to 7 days |
| Recommended For | Women aged 30 to 65 years; also performed in women aged 21 and above with abnormal cytology results |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,000 (prices vary by city and laboratory) |
What is an HR HPV Reflex to LBC Test?
The HR HPV Reflex to LBC test is a cervical cancer screening tool that combines two techniques on a single sample: liquid-based cytology (LBC) and high-risk HPV DNA detection. It is also known as HPV DNA with reflex cytology or a cervical cancer co-screening test. Doctors typically recommend it for women aged 30 to 65 as part of routine cervical screening. A small sample of cervical cells is collected by a trained healthcare provider during a short clinic visit.
What Does an HR HPV Reflex to LBC Test Measure?
This test examines the cervical sample for two distinct things. The LBC component checks cervical cells for abnormal changes using a liquid preservation medium, which improves the clarity of the cell sample. The HPV Reflex component uses real-time PCR (a DNA amplification technique) to detect high-risk HPV strains, particularly types 16 and 18, as well as other high-risk genotypes.
The following components are assessed:
- Liquid-based cytology (LBC): Checks for abnormal, precancerous, or cancerous cervical cells
- High-risk HPV DNA detection: Identifies cancer-associated HPV strains (types 16, 18, and other high-risk genotypes, including 31, 33, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and others)
- Reflex testing: When HPV is detected but is not type 16 or 18, a reflex LBC is automatically performed on the same sample to check for cell changes
Why is an HR HPV Reflex to LBC Test Done?
This test is used for routine cervical screening and also when a woman experiences certain symptoms or has had a prior abnormal result.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test if a woman experiences any of the following:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after sex or between periods
- Heavier or longer periods than usual
- Bleeding after menopause
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Persistent low back pain or pelvic pain without a clear cause
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The HR HPV Reflex to LBC test can help identify a range of cervical conditions:
- High-risk HPV infection (responsible for over 99% of cervical cancers worldwide)
- Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grades 1, 2, and 3 (precancerous cell changes)
- Atypical glandular cells
- Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS)
- Early signs of cervical cancer before symptoms develop
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation is straightforward, but a few steps beforehand will help ensure the most accurate result.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You can eat and drink as normal on the day of your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Follow these steps in the 48 hours before your sample collection:
- Avoid tampons, vaginal douches, and vaginal medicines or creams
- Do not use contraceptive foams, gels, or spermicidal products
- Avoid sexual intercourse for at least 48 hours before the test
- Try to schedule your appointment when you are not menstruating, as blood in the sample can affect results
- Inform your healthcare provider about any current vaginal infections
- If you have recently given birth, wait at least 12 weeks before having this test
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during a typical sample collection visit:
- You lie on an examination table with your feet placed in supports (called stirrups) for comfort and access
- The healthcare provider gently inserts a small instrument called a speculum to open the vaginal walls slightly and view the cervix
- A soft brush is used to collect a small number of cells from the surface of the cervix
- The brush is rinsed immediately into a vial of liquid preservative medium to keep the cells intact
- The sealed sample is labelled and sent to the laboratory for both LBC cytology and HPV DNA testing
- Results are typically ready within 4 to 7 days and sent to your doctor
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may reduce the reliability of your result:
- Menstruation at the time of sample collection
- Recent sexual activity or use of vaginal products before the test
- Active cervical inflammation or infection
- Specimen collection technique
- Samples stored for more than 21 days before processing
Understanding Your HR HPV Reflex to LBC Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed with your doctor, who will consider them alongside your full medical history. The table below outlines the standard reference ranges used.
| Parameter | Normal Result | Abnormal Result |
|---|---|---|
| HPV DNA | Negative (not detected) | Positive (HPV DNA detected) |
| LBC Cytology | NILM (Negative for Intraepithelial Lesion or Malignancy) | ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL, or ASC-H (see below) |
Common abnormal cytology classifications under the Bethesda system are as follows:
- ASC-US: Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (mildly abnormal)
- LSIL: Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (minor cell changes)
- HSIL: High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (more significant changes)
- ASC-H: Atypical squamous cells where high-grade changes cannot be excluded
A negative HPV result combined with normal cytology indicates a low risk of cervical cancer, and repeat screening is advised every 5 years. A positive HPV result does not mean cancer is present. In most women, HPV clears on its own within 2 years. However, further monitoring or a colposcopy (a detailed examination using magnification) may be recommended.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
- In women who are immunocompromised (for example, those living with HIV or on immunosuppressive therapy), HPV is more likely to persist, which may affect detection rates
- In younger women, HPV infections are common and usually clear without treatment, meaning a positive result may not indicate long-term risk
- During pregnancy, normal hormonal changes in the cervix can occasionally make cytology interpretation more difficult
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness steps can support cervical health:
- Complete the HPV vaccination series if you are eligible, as it protects against the high-risk strains most associated with cervical cancer
- Avoid smoking, which is linked to a higher risk of cervical abnormalities
- Practise safe sex to reduce the likelihood of new HPV exposure
Lupin Diagnostics HR HPV Reflex to LBC Test Price
The HR HPV Reflex to LBC test price varies depending on location and the specific package selected. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Pune | ₹1,450 to ₹3,700 |
| Mumbai | ₹1,450 to ₹3,110 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1,450 to ₹3,500 |
| Bangalore | ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 |
| Chennai | ₹1,450 to ₹3,500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Pap smear looks for abnormal cervical cells that could develop into cancer. An HPV test checks for the presence of high-risk HPV strains that cause those changes. The HR HPV Reflex to LBC test combines both approaches using a single cervical sample, making it a more complete screening option.
The HR HPV reflex to LBC test is generally recommended for women aged 30 to 65. Women between 21 and 29 are typically screened with cytology alone. Your doctor will advise the right starting age based on your personal health history.
If your result is normal, a repeat HPV-LBC co-test is recommended every 5 years. Women aged 65 and above with no history of abnormalities and two consecutive negative results in the past 10 years may not need further screening, according to established guidelines. Your doctor will confirm the schedule that is right for you.
No. A positive HR HPV reflex result means a high-risk HPV strain was detected, not that cancer is present. Most HPV infections clear on their own within 2 years. A positive result means your doctor will recommend monitoring or further tests to track whether the infection persists or causes any cell changes.
HPV types 16 and 18 are linked to around 70% of cervical cancers. If either type is detected, your doctor will likely recommend a colposcopy regardless of the cytology result, as these strains carry a higher risk of progression than other HPV types.
Cervical screening can be performed during pregnancy if symptoms are present or if the cervix appears abnormal. However, the HR HPV reflex to LBC test is not part of routine prenatal care. If you are pregnant, speak with your doctor before scheduling this test. Treatment decisions, if needed, are usually delayed until after delivery.
Yes. The HPV vaccine does not protect against all high-risk HPV strains, so regular reflex cytology screening remains important. Vaccination reduces your risk significantly, but it does not eliminate the need for periodic cervical screening.
HR HPV Reflex to LBC Test: Booking, Price, and Results
