43 - Empowering patients through HPV self-collection (22 min)

Despite cervical cancer being one of the most preventable cancers, significant gaps in screening still leave many people vulnerable. But what if the screening process could be brought directly to the patient on their own terms? In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD, discusses the ongoing evolution of cervical cancer screening with Quest Diagnostics experts Megan Starolis, MS, PhD, HCLD(ABB), a Senior Scientific Director in Infectious Disease, and Damian Alagia, MD, MS, MBA, the Senior Medical Director for Advanced Diagnostics in Women's Health. They explore the science behind HPV DNA and mRNA testing, the clinical considerations for different screening algorithms, and the revolutionary potential of patient self-collection to improve health equity and save lives. This episode will Trace the evolution of cervical cancer screening from the Pap smear to modern molecular testing and self-collection, and recognize its potential to improve access to care (3:00) Differentiate between HPV DNA and mRNA testing methodologies and analyze the clinical benefits and considerations for primary screening vs co-testing algorithms (5:00) Explore how HPV self-collection can break down barriers to care for underserved populations and improve health equity (11:00) Recognize the critical importance of ensuring appropriate patient follow-up to complete the care continuum after a positive self-collected test (16:40) Speakers: Dr Megan Starolis, MS, PhD, HCLD(ABB); Dr Damian Alagia, MD, MS, MBA; Maeson Latsko, PhD Contributors: Maeson Latsko, PhD; Dr Megan Starolis, MS, PhD, HCLD(ABB); Dr Damian Alagia, MD, MS, MBA   Ordering information HPV Self-Collection HPV DNA (16, 18, Other High Risk), PCR, Vaginal Self-Collected | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics     Additional resources Clinical Education Center | Quest Diagnostics Instant insights: HPV testing for cervical cancer screening| Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics Bringing cervical cancer screening closer to patients | Quest Diagnostics     Reference List Screening for Cervical Cancer. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2026;148(1):e63-e67. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000006257