A blood test instead of smear tests - anybody know anything abtut this?

[pARGHssTheTwiglets]

There's apparently a blood test called a CSA test that is (again, apparently) more accurate than a smear test. The only info I can find on the web is all from the US and it all says "it will be introduced at some point" but no more info. Has anybody heard of this? I guess it's still a long way off or we'd have heard more about it.

[BelaLugosidreamsofzombiesheep]

Was it this you read? TBH this report lacks so much detail, I have no idea what this CSA is that they are talking about.
Various groups have been working on using p16INK45a as a molecular marker to detect tumorigenesis but my understanding is that it is not ready for general "primary" screening (i.e. instead of cytology).

Another thing to note is that (and I'm assuming you're in the UK) the NHS Cervical screening programme is recognised as probably the best in the world because it is well organised, rigorously monitored and has a nationally structured and run training and examination programme.

[BelaLugosidreamsofzombiesheep]

PS a disclaimer I am a scientist working in the screening programme.

[BelaLugosidreamsofzombiesheep]

& I've just noticed that link is 6 years old!

[pARGHssTheTwiglets]

It wasn't that particular article I read but that was the name of the test, yes. Oh well, I assumed it would be too good to be true :)

[BelaLugosidreamsofzombiesheep]

I was intrigued so have been doing some searching. Getting any decent info seems really tricky. The compant that owns the test has recently registered a new clinical trial. Will see what PubMed brings up tomorrow. So far its not come up in any obvious journals and I can't what it is a marker against.

[pARGHssTheTwiglets]

Thanks, Bela! Safe to assuem that it's not going to happen by the time my next one is due in 3 months then :o

[BelaLugosidreamsofzombiesheep]

Sorry haven't had the chance to look any further; suspect you're right [hsmile]