NEW equipment that detects a certain type of sexually transmitted infection could mean quicker referals for cervical cancer.

The pathology department at Southend Hospital has recently introduced the Gen-Probe Panther, a new piece of equipment which detects a virus associated with cervical cancer.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection which can cause pre-cancerous changes to the cervix.

Sarah Hemingway, from the hospital, says: “The machine detects high-risk strains of the virus and allows early referral to the colposcopy clinic. Women referred to this clinic are offered a colposcopy, a procedure where the cervix is examined using a specially- designed microscope. The results of this examination are then used to decide if treatment is required.

“Previously, patients would have been recalled for a second and sometimes third smear before being referred for colposcopy. This is because although HPV can be seen in the smear test, it is impossible to determine whether or not it is a high risk strain.”

The NHS National Cervical Screening Programme decided HPV testing should become part of the national screening programme.

The cytology and microbiology departments at Southend and Basildon hospitals worked closely together to ensure this was available to women in this area.

On 30 July, Southend Hospital introduced HPV testing for patients from Southend, Basildon and Thurrock hospitals. The Panther can also be used to test urine and genital samples for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Alison Westran, microbiology biomedical scientist, says: “The Panther is a more sensitive method. We can detect lower levels of chlamydia and gonorrhoea present in the sample than we could previously.”