What is the difference between cervical TCT and HPV testing?

Generally, cervical TCT refers to a TCT test. The TCT test differs significantly from the HPV test in terms of testing purposes, target populations, specimen collection, testing methods, sensitivity, and specificity. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Purpose of Testing

The primary purpose of the TCT test is to detect whether cervical cells have undergone abnormal changes, identifying potential cervical precancerous lesions or cervical cancer through cytological diagnosis. In contrast, the HPV test focuses on detecting whether there is an infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly high-risk HPV types, as persistent infection with high-risk HPV is the main causative factor for cervical cancer.

2. Target Population

The TCT test examines morphological changes in cervical cells themselves, determining whether abnormalities exist by observing features such as cell shape, structure, and arrangement under a microscope. The HPV test detects the presence of HPV DNA in the cervix, identifying the virus using specific testing methods.

3. Specimen Collection

The TCT test typically involves collecting a small sample of exfoliated cervical cells for analysis, which are processed and analyzed using a liquid-based thin-layer cell detection system. The HPV test requires collecting cervical secretions containing metabolic products of cervical cells and potentially present viral DNA.

4. Testing Methods

The TCT test employs a liquid-based thin-layer cell detection system, dispersing collected cervical exfoliated cells in liquid, then preparing thin smears using an automated slide-making machine, followed by staining and microscopic examination. The HPV test uses specific methods, such as PCR or hybrid capture techniques, to detect HPV DNA in cervical secretions.

5. Sensitivity and Specificity

The sensitivity of the TCT test is generally lower than that of the HPV test, but the TCT test has higher specificity. When significant cellular atypia is detected, it usually indicates more severe lesions. The HPV test has high sensitivity, capable of detecting various potential HPV infections. However, some HPV infections are transient and may be naturally cleared by the body's immune system, resulting in relatively lower specificity.

In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption—can help enhance immune function and reduce the risk of cervical cancer.