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Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of high-risk human papillomavirus(HR-HPV) infection based on vaginal self-collected samples. Study Design and Setting The pooled data of 3045 self-collected samples used for the analysis derived from four previous studies on cervical cancer screening(The Chinese Multi-Center Screening Trial, CHIMUST; The Shenzhen Cervical Cancer Screening Trial-2, SHENCCAST-2; The Chinese Cervical Cancer Prevention Study, CHIPCAPS; Pingshan trial, PINGSHAN)conducted across China by our team since 2011. These cases were evaluated for HR-HPV type prevalence relative to lesion grade and age. The occurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia(CIN) with specific HPV types and the influence of co-infection is explored. Results The top three most common genotypes among the HR-HPV positives were HPV-52(23.4%), HPV-16(18.0%), and HPV-58(15.50%). For women with CIN2+, the most frequent genotypes were HPV-16, 58, 52, and 18 in sequence. HPV-16 accounted for the majority of CIN2/CIN3/Ca with attribution rate of 23.86%, 44.78% and 50.00% respectively. HPV-58 accounted for 19.48%, 16.79% and 13.46% respectively. CIN2+ was found in the following types most frequently: HPV-16(31.23%), HPV-33(24.03%), HPV-58(18.41%), HPV-31(11.76%), HPV-18(7.75%), and HPV-52(7.30%). HPV-16 showed preference for co-infection with HPV-52 and HPV-58. Conclusion The prevalence of HR-HPV infection based on self-sampling among women in China exhibited some unique epidemiologic features.

Objective Organised cervical cancer screening was started in Estonia in 2006, but participation is still low. Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling has proved to increase screening uptake. This study addressed the feasibility of HPV self-sampling and the acceptance of this method among long-term screening non-attenders. Methods A randomised intervention study was conducted in Estonia in 2020. Women born in 1958–1983 without a Pap smear in 2013–2019 were identified in the Estonian Health Insurance Fund database. From them, 12,000 women were randomly allocated to three equal-sized study groups. The opt-out group received a questionnaire and a Qvintip® sampling device by regular mail. Two opt-in groups received a questionnaire and an e-mail invitation to order a self-sampler online; one received Qvintip and the other Evalyn® Brush. Participantś background characteristics were obtained from the Population Register. The effect of covariates on participation rate was estimated with multivariate Poisson regression. Acceptance of self-sampling was analysed according to agreement with statements in the questionnaire. Results The overall participation rate was 16% with significant differences between opt-out (26%) and opt-in (11%) groups. Compared to the opt-out Qvintip group, adjusted relative risks for the Qvintip and Evalyn Brush opt-in groups were 0.41 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–0.45) and 0.44 (95% CI 0.40–0.49), respectively. Participation was associated with living place, citizenship, and education. Self-sampling was well accepted: 98% agreed that it was easy to use, 88% preferred it as a screening method in future. Conclusions The results show the feasibility and good acceptance of HPV self-sampling among long-term screening non-attenders in Estonia.

We introduce a novel technique for neural point cloud consolidation which learns from only the input point cloud. Unlike other point upsampling methods which analyze shapes via local patches, in this work, we learn from global subsets. We repeatedly self-sample the input point cloud with global subsets that are used to train a deep neural network. Specifically, we define source and target subsets according to the desired consolidation criteria (e.g., generating sharp points or points in sparse regions). The network learns a mapping from source to target subsets, and implicitly learns to consolidate the point cloud. During inference, the network is fed with random subsets of points from the input, which it displaces to synthesize a consolidated point set. We leverage the inductive bias of neural networks to eliminate noise and outliers, a notoriously difficult problem in point cloud consolidation. The shared weights of the network are optimized over the entire shape, learning non-local statistics and exploiting the recurrence of local-scale geometries. Specifically, the network encodes the distribution of the underlying shape surface within a fixed set of local kernels, which results in the best explanation of the underlying shape surface. We demonstrate the ability to consolidate point sets from a variety of shapes, while eliminating outliers and noise., TOG 2021

The persisting burden of cervical cancer in underserved populations and low-resource regions worldwide, worsened by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, requires proactive strategies and expanded screening options to maintain and improve screening coverage and its effects on incidence and mortality from cervical cancer. Self-sampling as a screening strategy has unique advantages from both a public health and individual patient perspective. Some of the barriers to screening can be mitigated by self-sampling, and resources can be better allocated to patients at the highest risk of developing cervical cancer. This review summarizes the implementation options for self-sampling and associated challenges, evidence in support of self-sampling, the available devices, and opportunities for expansion beyond human papillomavirus testing.

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women globally after breast cancer. It is a preventable cancer with a well‑defined premalignant phase where treatment could be offered before invasive cancer develops. Objective: To determine the prevalence, socio-demographic characteristics and serotypes of high-risk HPV amongst positive women using self-sampling HPV-based cervical cancer screening. Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study in an urban setting in Lagos, Nigeria where one hundred women, following community-based counselling on cervical cancer and its prevention, underwent cervical cancer screening via self-sampling for hr-HPV. Structured questionnaires were administered for data collection. Appropriate instruction for self-sample collection using Flobam cervical sampling kit was given to each subject. The samples were processed using DNA analysis via PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification and flow through hybridization to identify the hr-HPV serotypes. Women who tested positive for hr-HPV had colposcopic-guided biopsy. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Findings: Almost all (97%) the women were successful at self-sampling. The prevalence of hr-HPV positivity was 19% with peak (31.6%) of hr-HPV positivity observed in subjects aged 31-40 years. HPV 53 was the commonest (36%) serotype, HPV 33 and 39 were the least (7%) identified and 47% of hr-HPV positive subjects had infection with two or more HPV serotypes. Two-third (66.7%) of hr-HPV positive subjects attended follow-up for colposcopy guided biopsy and 10.5% of the hr-HPV positive subjects had premalignant/malignant cervical lesion. Conclusion: Infection with more than one hr-HPV serotype is common in our study. Self-sampling modality of HPV cervical cancer screening is feasible in this environment.

Background: Nationwide epidemiological surveys of behavioral factors and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among Japanese women are scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, genotype distribution, and significant predictive factors of HPV infection using self-collected vaginal samples from Japanese female people. Methods: The study population consisted of 1,050 female subjects aged 16–75 years (median 30 years). The participants were asked to provide self-collected samples from the vaginal wall using cotton swabs for genotyping of HPV. We compared the participants’ characteristics and detected HPV genotypes to determine significant predictors of HPV infection. Results: After excluding 47 participants (34 participants of unknown age, 11 virgin participants, 1 participant who engaged in sex with another woman, and 1 participant who did not undergo β-globin detection), 1,003 participants were included in the analysis. Of the 1,003 participants, 426 (42.5%) participants had at least one HPV genotype, 282 (28.1%) participants had high-risk HPV genotypes, 306 (30.5%) had low-risk HPV genotypes, and 162 (16.2%) participants had both HPV genotypes. HPV-16/18 positivity was found in 5.4% (54/1,003) participants. The most frequently detected high-risk HPV genotype was HPV-52 (86/1,003; 8.6% participants). The number of lifetime sex partners (≥6) and a present history of sexually transmitted infection (STI) were significant predictors of high-risk HPV infection. The number of lifetime sex partners (≥6), age of coitarche (≥20 years of age), unmarried status, and a present history of STI were significant predictors of low-risk HPV infection. Conclusions: The prevalence of high-risk and low-risk HPV infection among Japanese female subjects was 28.1% and 30.5%, respectively. The number of lifetime sex partners (≥6) and present history of sexually transmitted infection were the common significant predictors of high-risk and low-risk HPV infection.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a primary cause of cervical cancer. Multiple strains of HPV lead to cervical intraepithelial injuries that later progress to cervical cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess attitudes toward and acceptability of self-sampling among Mexican women who have HPV. Methods: The descriptive, cross-sectional design included a convenience sample of Mexican women with a previous diagnosis of cervical dysplasia. Results: Women ( n = 61) were young adults ( M = 27 years, SD = 6.92) reporting single marital status (55%) and sexually active (93%). Mean age at onset of sexual activity was 17 years; a majority of women (78.8%) had more than one sexual partner in their lifetime with 56.6% reporting between two and five partners. All (100%) of the women indicated that they would “choose self-sampling for HPV detection” and would recommend it to other women. Concerning “attitudes toward HPV,” the women responded that it is necessary to comply with HPV treatment and understand that preventative measures can avoid HPV transmission. Conclusion: Women reported high acceptability for self-sampling and positive attitudes toward HPV diagnostic procedures. Women indicated substantial interest in learning more about HPV, its transmission, preventive measures, routine testing, and recommended self-sampling for HPV detection.

Cervical cancer is preventable through gynecological screening. To promote participation among non-attending women, self-collected vaginal samples for detection of high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) is an option. The aims of this study were to investigate the response of self-collected vaginal samples for hr-HPV testing among long-term non-attendees, to explore the attendance at follow-up among HPV-positive women, and to analyze the prevalence of hr-HPV and severe cervical dysplasia or cancer among the responders. A vaginal self-sampling kit was sent to 19,766 women aged 30-70 years who had not provided a cervical screening sample for ≥ 7 years in Skåne, Sweden. The self-sample was analyzed by the Aptima HPV mRNA assay (Hologic). Women testing positive for HPV were invited for follow-up. The response was 18.5% (3,646/19,757). The prevalence of HPV mRNA was 11.3% (412/3,636). Among HPV-positive women, 85.7% (353/412) attended follow-up, and of these, 44.8% (158/353) had HPV in the cervical sample. The HPV mRNA test of self-samples showed a positive predictive value of 9.3% ([33/353], 95% CI = 6.5-12.9) for detection of cytologically severe dysplasia. Histologically severe dysplasia or cancer was detected in 0.88% ([32/3,636], 95% CI = 0.6-1.2) among responders, including two cervical- and one vaginal cancer. In conclusion, almost one fifth of the long-term non-attendees participated in self-collected vaginal hr-HPV sampling. The prevalence of histologically confirmed high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or cervical cancer was not increased significantly compared to regularly screened women in Sweden. The relatively high HPV prevalence among the self-samples indicates the importance of diagnostic follow-up with cervical HPV testing and reflex-cytology of HPV-positive cases.

Background Self-sampling with proper instruction in 35-37 weeks’ gestation is supplementary to clinician sampling to prevent early-onset invasive group B streptococcal disease of infants. Despite of the accuracy proved in previous studies, disputes were raised on pregnant women’s low preference and adherence to the method of swab collection. We aimed to assess the accuracy of self-sampling and influencing factors for preference on collection method in Chinese women. Methods We compared screening results of self-sampling with clinician collection in a sample of 522 women in late pregnancy. These participants needed to complete a questionnaire on their preference and demographics after self-sampling. A multi-nominal logistic regression model was then used to measure the association between the influencing factors and preference for collection method. Results A good agreement between the two collection methods was found with a Cohen’s Kappa coefficient 0.83 (95%CI 0.71-0.95). The prevalence of GBS infection in the two methods is statistically different. Four factors (maternal age, parity, education attainment and pain difference) were included in the final multi-nominal regression model while gestational age and vaginal suppository use were excluded. Non-elderly parturient women were 2.84 (95% CI 1.19-6.74) times more likely to prefer self-sampling compared to clinician sampling, adjusting for parity, education and pain difference. If these participants experienced more or equal pain during self-sampling compared to clinician collection, they were more likely to prefer clinician sampling controlling the other three factors’ effect. Conclusions Our study suggests high agreement between the two collection methods. Self-sampling presented a higher detection rate than physician-collected samples. Pregnant women are able to collect rectovaginal samples prior to their antenatal visit. Self-sampling is preferable by 1/5 of the participants and it could be an option for those younger than 35 years old, especially for those with low pain threshold.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-based screening is rapidly replacing cytology as the cervical screening modality of choice. In addition to being more sensitive than cytology, it can be done on self-collected vaginal or urine samples. This study will compare the high-risk HPV positivity rates and sensitivity of self-collected vaginal samples using four different collection devices and a urine sample. Methods: A total of 620 women referred for colposcopy were invited to provide an initial stream urine sample collected with the Colli-Pee device and take two vaginal self-samples, using either a dry flocked swab (DF) and a wet dacron swab (WD), or a HerSwab (HS) and Qvintip (QT) device. HPV testing was performed by the BD Onclarity HPV Assay. Results: A total of 600 vaginal sample pairs were suitable for analysis, and 505 were accompanied by a urine sample. Similar positivity rates and sensitivities for CIN2+ and CIN3+ were seen for DF, WD, and urine, but lower values were seen for QT and HS. No clear user preferences were seen between devices, but women found urine easiest to collect, and were more confident they had taken the sample correctly. The lowest confidence in collection was reported for HS. Conclusions: Urine, a DF swab, and WD swab all performed well and were well received by the women, whereas the Qvintip and HerSwab devices were less satisfactory. Impact: This is the first study to compare five self-sampling methods in the same women taken at the same time. It supports wider use of urine or vaginal self-sampling for cervical screening.

The article presents the advantages of screening cervical cancer based on the detection of oncogenic strains of human papillomavirus compare to traditional cytological screening using the PAP test. Self sampling using Aprovix's Qvintip tool (Sweden) allows to increase the percentage of women participating in national population screening programs, which will lead to an improvement in the incidence and mortality rates of the female population from cervical cancer.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-DNA testing combined with self-sampling could increase cervical cancer screening effectiveness, utilizing a sensitive screening modality and an easy sampling method with minimal pain or discomfort. Self-sampling acceptability, though, is pivotal. Materials and Methods: This study is a nested cross-sectional survey within GRECOSELF, a cross-sectional study on HPV-based screening with self-sampling, aiming at investigating self-sampling acceptability among Greek women residing in rural areas, and the factors affecting it. Women between 25 and 60 years old were recruited by midwives participating in a nationwide midwifery network. Participants, after self-sampling, filled out a questionnaire with three sections, one regarding demographic characteristics, a second with questions pertaining to the participants' cervical cancer screening history, and a third with questions regarding the self-sampling process per se. Results: The sample included 13,111 women. Most participants (67.9%), including those screened or not in the past, would prefer self-sampling if assured that the results are not inferior to standard testing. Discomfort or pain during self-sampling was absent or minimal in 97.1% and 96.5% of the cases, respectively, and 74.4% of the women felt adequately confident that they followed the instructions correctly. Women mostly preferred self-sampling at home compared with health care facilities. Pain and discomfort during the procedure, although rare, were significant factors against acceptance. Most of the women reporting a negative impression had a negative experience with conventional sampling in the past. Conclusion: Self-sampling is highly acceptable. Acceptance can be further improved with proper communication of the process and its noninferiority compared with conventional screening.

In France, cervical cancer screening based on cervical smear has a participation rate of around 60%. New screening strategies are encouraged to increase the participation of under-screened women, including vaginal self-sampling with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) testing. This study was based on the distribution of an anonymous self-administered questionnaire to assess the acceptability of vaginal self-sampling with HR-HPV testing by women aged 25 to 65 years in two French Departments of the South of France, Aude, and Hérault, showing low participation in cervical cancer screening. Factors influencing this acceptability were also analyzed. From May to July 2017, 349 completed questionnaires were collected. Women declared high acceptability for vaginal self-sampling (81%) preferably at home (82.6%). Acceptability was statistically higher in the Department of Herault (

Background: Self sampled HPV testing is a cervical cancer screening method . However, cytology in self-sampled specimen cannot be used as a triage test. Therefore, other methods for triage should be considered. CyclinA1 (CCNA1) promoter methylation has strong association with cervical precancerous and cancerous lesion. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of CCNA1 and self-sampled specimen for detecting high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesions or worse (CIN2+). Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted. Women with abnormal cytology or positive for high risk HPV (hrHPV) indicated for colposcopic examination were enrolled. Self-collected sampling for hrHPV DNA (SS-HPV) and CCNA1 were performed. hrHPV DNA testing was done by Cobas 4800 method. CCNA1 promoter methylation was detected by CCNA1 duplex methylation specific PCR. Histopathologic result as CIN2+ obtaining from colposcopic directed biopsy or excisional procedure was considered as positive a gold standard. The results of hrHPV and CCNA1 were reported as positive or negative. Sensitivity specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of SS-HPV and CCNA1 were calculated by comparing the results with the gold standard. Results: Two hundreds and eighty women were recruited. High-grade cervical lesions and cervical cancer (CIN2+) were diagnosed in 21.8% (61 cases) of the patients. The most common type of hrHPV was non 16, 18 subtype, followed by HPV16 and 18. CCNA1 was positive in 13 patients out of whom, twelve were CIN2+. Sensitivity of CCNA1 was 19.7 % and its specificity and accuracy were 99.5% and 82.14%, respectively. The sensitivity of SS-HPV was 70.5%, and its specificity and accuracy were 39.2% and 43.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Due to high specificity and positive predictive value of CCNA1, it can be used as alarming sign of having high-grade cervical intraepithelial lesions, especially in patient who has positive hrHPV DNA test based on self-collected sampling.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic demonstrates the need for accurate and convenient approaches to diagnose and therapeutically monitor respiratory viral infections. We demonstrated that self-sampling with mid-nasal foam swabs is well-tolerated and provides quantitative viral output concordant with flocked swabs. Using longitudinal home-based self-sampling, we demonstrate that nasal cytokine levels correlate and cluster according to immune cell of origin. Periods of stable viral loads are followed by rapid elimination, which could be coupled with cytokine expansion and contraction. Nasal foam swab self-sampling at home provides a precise, mechanistic readout of respiratory virus shedding and local immune responses.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Ethiopia. The objective was to evaluate the participation rate of a free of charge vaginal self-sample (Aptima multitest swab, Hologic) for the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) in an Ethiopian cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Specimens were collected from women employed by Ethiopian Airlines in Addis Abeba (N=5950). Samples were analysed for the presence of high-risk (HR) HPV mRNA by the Aptima HPV assay (Hologic) and HPV positive women were referred for cytology. Identification of HPV types among HPV positive samples was performed by Modified general primer-PCR and Luminex assay. RESULTS: Participation rate was 3.1% and the prevalence of HPV mRNA was 20.6% (37/180). CONCLUSION: Primary HPV mRNA screening with vaginal self-sampling may be an acceptable approach in Ethiopia. One out of five women harbor HPV in their vaginal self-sample in agreement with other similar studies from the region. (Less)

Objective Cervical cancer screening participation in China remains insufficient, possibly because of embarrassment or discomfort. We assessed knowledge of HPV and its link to cervical cancer, and whether HPV self-sampling might be an acceptable alternative to clinician-based screening, among Sichuan women. Methods A sample of healthy women undergoing routine physical examinations in 2017 at the West China Hospital, Sichuan University, completed a questionnaire. Results From 3000 questionnaires distributed, 1810 were completed and analyzed. Only 29.94% of respondents ( n = 542) had heard of HPV, among whom 65.75% knew that it caused cervical cancer. Among the 766 (42.32%) who considered that HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening was an acceptable option, over 90% thought it would be convenient, private, not embarrassing, and not painful. However, 1044 women (57.68%) did not consider self-sampling acceptable, mainly because the result might not be accurate (85.63%), specimens may have gone bad (83.05%), and they may not perform the test correctly (79.98%). Respondents who believed HPV self-sampling was acceptable were more likely than other respondents to be young, and to have completed at least secondary education. Of the 1810 respondents, 1312 (72.49%) reported that they would be willing to be vaccinated against HPV. Conclusion Most women in Chengdu lack basic knowledge about HPV. Over 40% of women believed HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening was an acceptable option. To increase screening coverage, public health efforts to educate the public about HPV and HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening should be strengthened and expanded.

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world. A raised incidence and mortality parallel a low participation rate in screening, namely screening in poor countries and among specific populations of developed countries. Cervical or vaginal self-sampling may increase adherence to screening due to its low costs and elevated sensibility and specificity. Our main goal was to compare self-sampling with physician sampling and to evaluate the participation rate of women formerly non-adherent to cervical cancer screening. Study Design: We identified relevant studies from PubMed. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they fulfilled the following criteria: women aged between 16 and 80 years, poor and developed countries that use self-sampling, women with a low participation rate in screening and studies published since 2013. After fully reading the articles, data were extracted to an Excel sheet to ­display all relevant information in an organized manner. ­Results: We identified 18 studies, which altogether enrolled 22,118 women. Self-sampling and physician sampling are quite similar regarding the HPV detection rate. Women have a low participation rate mainly because of limited access to health services, religious and culture beliefs, and lack of time due to several demanding tasks in daily life. Self-sampling shows a significant increase in acceptability and preference compared to physician sampling. Conclusion: Self-sampling is a reliable method to involve women in opportunistic or organized screening programs for cervical cancer prevention.

An increasing body of evidence supports the validity of self-sampling as an alternative to clinician collection for primary Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening. Self-sampling effectively reaches underscreened women and can be a powerful strategy in low- and high-resource settings for all target ages. This work aims to summarize the current use of HPV self-sampling worldwide. It is part of a larger project that describes cervical cancer screening programmes and produces standardized coverage estimates worldwide. A systematic review of the literature and official documents supplemented with a formal World Health Organisation country consultation was conducted. Findings show that the global use of HPV self-sampling is still limited. Only 17 (12%) of countries with identified screening programs recommend its use, nine as the primary collection method, and eight to reach underscreened populations. We identified 10 pilots evaluating the switch to self-sampling in well-established screening programs. The global use of self-sampling is likely to increase in the coming years. COVID-19's pandemic has prompted efforts to accelerate HPV self-sampling introduction globally, and it is now considered a key element in scaling up screening coverage. The information generated by the early experiences can be beneficial for decision-making in both new and existing programs.

Self-sampling provides a powerful means to engage women in cervical screening. In the original Papillomavirus Dumfries and Galloway study (PaVDaG), we demonstrated cross-sectional similarity of high-risk human papillomavirus (Hr-HPV) testing on self-taken vaginal vs clinician-taken samples for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or worse (CIN2+). Few data exist on the longitudinal performance of self-sampling; we present longitudinal outcomes of PaVDaG. Routinely screened women provided a self-taken and a clinician-collected sample. Ninety-one percent of 5136 women from the original cohort completed a further screening round. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and complement of the negative predictive value of the Hr-HPV test on self-samples for detection of CIN2+ and CIN3+ up-to 5 years after testing were determined. Additionally, clinical accuracy of Hr-HPV testing on vaginal and clinician-collected samples was assessed. A total of 183 CIN2+ and 102 CIN3+ lesions were diagnosed during follow-up. Risk of CIN2+ and CIN3+ following an Hr-HPV negative self-sample was 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively, for up to 5 years after testing. The relative sensitivity for CIN3+ and specificity for

Urinary extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained increased interest as a biomarker source. Clinical implementation on a daily basis requires protocols that inevitably includes short-term storage of the clinical samples, especially when collected at home. However, little is known about the effect of delayed processing on the urinary EVs concentration and proteome. We evaluated two storage protocols. First, urine stored at 4 °C. Secondly a protocol compatible with at-home collection, in which urine was stored with the preservative EDTA at room temperature (RT). EVs were isolated using the ME-kit (VN96-peptide). For both conditions we explored the effect of storage duration (0, 2, 4 and 8 days) on EV concentration and proteome using EVQuant and data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry, respectively. The urinary EV concentration and proteome was highly stable using both protocols, in terms of protein number and quantitative changes. Furthermore, EDTA does not affect the urinary EV concentration or global proteome. In conclusion, urine can be stored either at 4 °C or with EDTA at RT for up to 8 days without any significant decay in EV concentration or a notable effect on the EV-proteome. These findings open up biomarker studies in urine collected via self-sampling at home.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling (Self-HPV) is a promising strategy to improve cervical cancer screening coverage in low-income countries. However, issues associated with women who prefer conventional HPV clinical-sampling over HPV self-sampling may affect screening participation. To address this issue, our study assessed factors associated with women’s preferences related to Self-HPV. This study was embedded in a large clinical trial recruiting women aged 30–49 years in a primary HPV-based study termed “3T-Approach” (for Test-Triage-Treatment), launched in 2018 at Dschang District Hospital, West Cameroon. Participants were invited to perform a Self-HPV. After the sampling and before receiving the results, participants completed a questionnaire about cervical cancer screening and their preferences and perceptions around Self-HPV. The median age of the 2201 participants was 40.6 (IQR 35–45) years. Most (1693 (76.9%)) preferred HPV self-sampling or had no preference for either method and 508 (23.1%) preferred clinician-sampling. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of reporting a clinician-sampling preference were tertiary educational level (14.4% CI: 12.8–16.1 vs 29.5% CI: 25.6–33.6) and being an employee with higher grade professional or managerial occupations (5.5% CI: 3.8–7.9 vs 2.6% CI: 2.3–2.8). The main reported reason for women preferring clinician-sampling was a lack of “self-expertise”. Most women (>99%) would agree to repeat HPV self-sampling and would recommend it to their relatives. HPV self-sampling in the cultural context of central Africa was well accepted by participants, but some participants would prefer to undergo clinician sampling. Health systems should support well-educated women to increase self-confidence in using HPV self-sampling.

Background: Cervical cancer screening has demonstrated high effectiveness reducing cervical cancer mortality worldwide, however there is still a high rate of under screened women. Pap smear technique is often considered an uncomfortable examination technique that can reduce uptake of the examination. This study explores the perceptions of self sampling and urine sampling versus traditional pap smear in rural settings of Cuenca Ecuador.Methods A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was performed. Focus groups were conducted in El Valle parish of Azuay province of Cuenca Ecuador. Women natives of this rural area were included in this research. Results A total of 45 women, have participated in 7 focus groups, all participants live in rural area. Pap smear technique is considered a painful, intrusive and embarrassing method, however participants believe that is more reliable, compared with self sampling methods, due a direct visualization of the cervix and because other problems could be detected during the examination. Advantages of self-sampling include that it is perceived as comfortable, less painful, participation rate, time-saving, because it can be done at home, and can be made widely available for example through pharmacies or with help of traditional healers . Barriers are related with doubts of the quality of the sample and lack of capability to perform it. Conclusions This study shows that women consider self sampling methods as a possible solution to overcome barriers that could reduce the uptake of cervical cancer screening; privacy, comfortability and accessibility are major advantages of those methods. Self examination at home reduces waiting times in health centers, with high demand of attention or during Covid pandemic. Barriers are mainly related with doubts in the self proficiency to perform the test and the accuracy of the results. Those doubts are understandable, because self sampling methods are never used before in Ecuador, and could be solved with an adequate training and information for the patients. Further studies that measure acceptability and sensitivity in real application are required to address the utility of self sampling methods in a rural context.

Non-participation in screening is a main risk factor for cervical cancer. Human-papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling may be an alternative to repeated invitations for non-attenders. Several studies have concluded that participation among non-attenders increases significantly when offering self-sampling kits for HPV. However, participation rates are highly variable between settings, and therefore pilots to determine optimal implementation strategy have been recommended before routine roll out.All women who had not participated in the organized screening program for at least 10 years aged 33-62 in one Swedish county were identified through screening registers. HPV self-sampling kits were sent to all eligible women. Participation was defined as returning a self-sample kit or attending routine screening within 6 months. Women who did not submit the kit within 8 weeks were randomized to receive a written reminder. HPV-positive women were referred directly to colposcopy without prior triage. Biopsies for histopathologic confirmation were used as gold standard.Among eligible women, 150/741 (20.2%) returned the self-sample kit or attended routine screening. A randomized written reminder was sent out to 319/591 non-responders and another 11 women returned the kit. In total, 23/147 (16.3%) of returned kits were HPV positive. Out of the 23 HPV-positive women, 17 (74%) attended colposcopy; 10/17 (59%) had a histopathological high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) or cervical cancer. The most common HPV type was HPV 52, and 2 out of 3 women with HPV 16 had a histopathologically confirmed cancer.The direct send kit strategy and referral of all HPV-positive women to colposcopy without prior triage appears to be feasible if resources are available and should be prioritized given the high prevalence of HSIL lesions and cancer among non-attenders. A written reminder might further increase attendance.

Molecular diagnosis on nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) is the current standard for COVID-19 diagnosis, but saliva may be an alternative specimen to facilitate access to diagnosis. We compared analytic performances, feasibility and acceptability of NPS, saliva, and oral-self sampling swab for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A prospective, multicenter study was conducted in military hospitals in France among adult outpatients attending COVID-19 diagnosis centers or hospitalized patients. For each patient, all samples were obtained and analyzed simultaneously with RT-PCR or transcription-mediated amplification method. Clinical signs, feasibility, and acceptability for each type of sample were collected. A total of 1220 patients were included, corresponding to 1205 NPS and saliva and 771 OS. Compared to NPS, the sensitivity, specificity, and kappa coefficient for tests performed on saliva were 87.8% (95% CI 83.3-92.3), 97.1% (95% CI 96.1-98.1), and 0.84 (95% CI 0.80-0.88). Analytical performances were better in symptomatic patients. Ct values were significantly lower in NPS than saliva. For OS, sensitivity was estimated to be 61.1% (95% CI 52.7-69.4) and Kappa coefficient to be 0.69 (95% CI 0.62-0.76). OS was the technique preferred by the patients (44.3%) before saliva (42.4%) and NPS (13.4%). Instructions were perceived as simple by patients (> 90%) for saliva and OS. Finally, the painful nature was estimated to be 0.9 for OS, on a scale from 0 to 10, and to be 5.3 for NPS. Performances of OS are not sufficient. Saliva is an acceptable alternative to NPS for symptomatic patient but the process required additional steps to fluidize the sample.

Background Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) is a genetic disorder that leads to frequent angioedema attacks in various parts of the body. In most cases it is caused by pathogenic variants in the SERPING1 gene, coding for C1-Inhibitor (C1-INH). The pathogenic variants in the gene result in reduced C1-INH levels and/or activity, which causes aberrant bradykinin production and enhanced vascular permeability. The standard-of-care diagnostic test is performed biochemically via measuring C1-INH level and activity as well as the C4 level. This, however, does not allow for the diagnosis of HAE types with normal C1-INH. There is an urgent need to identify and characterize HAE biomarkers for facilitating diagnostics and personalizing the treatment. The Hereditary Angioedema Kininogen Assay (HAEKA) study aims to measure the dynamics of cleaved High Molecular Weight Kininogen (HKa) and other metabolite levels during the angioedema and non-angioedema state of the disease. The metabolites will be analyzed and verified by liquid chromatography ion mobility high resolution mass spectrometry (LC/IM-QToF MS) of dried blood spot (DBS) cards upon the study completion. The study design is truly innovative: 100 enrolled participants provide blood samples via DBS: (1) every 3 months within 2 years during regular study site visits and (2) by at-home self-sampling during HAE attacks via finger pricking. We are presenting a project design that permits clinical study activities during pandemic contact restrictions and opens the door for other clinical studies during COVID-19. Results As of October 2020, there are 41 patients from 5 sites in Germany enrolled. 90 blood samples were collected during the regular visits, and 19 of the participants also performed self-sampling during the HAE attacks from which a total of 286 attack blood samples were collected. Participating patients rate the study procedures as easy to implement in their daily lives. The concept of home self-sampling is effective, reproducible, and convenient especially in times of contact restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions It is the hope that the HAEKA study will complete in 2023, reveal biomarker(s) for monitoring HAE disease activity, and may help to avoid HAE attacks via applying medication prior to the symptom onset.

OBJECTIVES:: Despite the availability of preventive methods for cervical cancer (CC), uptake has been low among African American and Sub-Saharan Immigrant (AA/SAI) women. The purpose of this study was to understand AA/SAI women’s values and beliefs of CC screening and explore willingness, acceptability, and concerns related to the HPV self-sampling method for CC. DESIGN:: Thirty AA/SAI women participated in one of six focus groups, each lasted 60–90 min, and were held over Zoom video conferencing. The sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and checked for accuracy by research staff prior to data analysis. Transcripts were content analyzed by two qualitatively trained research staff. NVivo software was used for data management and analysis. RESULTS:: The average age of participants was 33.67 ± 9.03, more than half were not married (53.3%), and less than half reported having health insurance coverage (46.7%). Participants included 16 AA and 14 SAI. Three main themes emerged from data analysis. (1) Beliefs and values related to CC Screening, (2) perceived barriers to attending CC screening, (3) recommendations to motivate regular CC screening. In addition, three factors emerged in the discussion on the HPV self-sampling method: confidence in ability to self-sample for CC, willingness to use HPV self-sampling kit, and result delivery. CONCLUSIONS:: This study identified a variety of reasons for the disproportionately low utilization of CC prevention services among AA/SAI women. Multidimensional approaches including educational and community engagement programs for this population could improve CC screening uptake and adoption of HPV self-sampling among AA/SAI women.

IntroductionCervical cancer screening primarily with high risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) proved to be more sensitive, in detecting CIN grade 2 or worse (CIN2 +), than the traditional cervical cytology. Primary hr-HPV detection opened up the possibility for vaginal self-sampling, as hr-HPV detection is easy to perform on a vaginal self-sample and showed to be reliable. The aim of this review is to explore the role of HPV self-sampling as a strategy to increase the participation rate in cervical screening programs. MethodsPubMed search on self-sampling HPV; including articles published within last 10 years; Meta-analyse, Randomized Controlled Trial, Review or Systematic Review.ResultsThe literature shows that HPV vaginal self-sampling is feasible, highly acceptable and above all has a high diagnostic accuracy in detecting HPV and CIN2 +. Furthermore, HPV self-sampling followed by Pap smear triage in hr-HPV positive women is cost-effective. Additionally offering mailed self-sample kits, ideally in combination with education, has been proven to improve participation and subsequently CIN2+ detection. ConclusionImplementation of HPV self-sampling in cervical screening programs offers opportunities to reach under screened women, not only in high-income countries, but especially in low- and medium-income countries and among ethnic minority women.

Background: Understanding the community women’s sense of relational and financial empowerment in the social entrepreneurship context could be the key to developing a sustainable pathway to scale-up community-based human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling programs in low-resource settings. The Hope Project, social entrepreneurship from Peru, trains women (Hope Ladies) to promote HPV self-sampling among other women in their communities. This study aims to evaluate the Hope Ladies’ relational/financial empowerment after participating in the program. Methods: We used a parallel mixed-method design. The Hope Ladies participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews (n= 20) and an eight-questions five-point Likert scale survey that evaluated their relational (n=19)/financial (n=17) empowerment after participating in the social entrepreneurship. The interview and the survey questions were developed using validated empowerment frameworks, indicators, and theory: 1) Kabeer’s conceptual framework, 2) International Center for Research on Women (ICRW)’s economic empowerment indicators, and 3) the Relational Leadership Theory (RLT), respectively. Deductive content analysis was used to evaluate the interviews with pre-determined codes and categories of empowerment. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the survey results. Results: All Hope Ladies reported experiencing empowerment in the social entrepreneurship. Interviews: The women reported challenges and improvement in three categories of empowerment: 1) resources (balancing the roles between the household and working as a Hope Lady, camaraderie with other Hope Ladies, recognition from the community as a resource); 2) agency (improved ability to express themselves, increased knowledge about reproductive health, ability to speak out against male-dominant culture and fear of cervical cancer-related stigma); and 3) achievement (increased economic assets, improved ability to make financial decisions from increased supplemental income, widened social network and capital, and technology skills development). Survey: All (100%) agreed/totally agreed an increase in social contacts, increased unaccompanied visits to a healthcare provider (86%), improved confidence in discussing reproductive topics (100%), improved ability to make household decisions about money (57% pre-intervention vs. 92% post-intervention). Conclusions: The Hope Ladies’ reported improved relational/financial empowerment through participating in community-based social entrepreneurship. More studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between empowerment and worker retention/performance to inform the scale-up of HPV self-sampling social entrepreneurship.

Background Liquid-based cytology is mostly used for the identification of pre-neoplastic and neoplastic cells of cérvix uteri, and many manual and automatic methodologies are available on the market. This study aims to validate a new manual liquid-based processing method - the CytoPath® Easy Kit, for its routine use in some cytology laboratories. Methods For this purpose, 45 cervical samples, obtained by self-sampling of women aged 18–58 years old were used: 30 were collected and processed with the CytoPath® Easy Kit and 15 samples were collected and processed by Thinprep®, as a control. Parameters evaluated were cellularity, thickness and cellular overlap of the imprint, undesirable background/debris, morphological preservation and staining properties of the sample. The presence and quantity of metaplastic and/or endocervical cells of the transformation zone was also compared between methods. Results The results obtained show that CytoPath® Easy Kit allows the representation of the sample with a very satisfactory cellularity, in a thin layer of cells and without excessive overlap, presenting a reasonably clean background. Statistically, both methods present similar results (P > 0.9999), both globally and for each of the parameters evaluated individually. These results allow to validate the use of this new method in the cytological routine. Conclusions This Kit proves to be very useful, allowing the laboratory to screen cervical cytology samples, without the need for large investments and with reliable microscopic results. This has particular interest for laboratories of poor or developing countries as well for services processing small number of samples.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause genital warts and cervical, anal, and penile cancers. HPV self-sampling is an acceptable and feasible approach for HPV testing among women. Despite emerging research stated a higher risk of HPV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM), few guidelines are available for HPV self-sampling among MSM. Adding HPV self-sampling as a complement may benefit MSM and improve STI testing services among key populations. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of HPV self-sampling among MSM. MSM who were aged 18 or above, had sex with men in the past year were recruited. Eligible participants followed the instruction to self-collect specimens using oral fluid, penile, and rectal swab. Then a clinician or trained staff collected specimens from same areas. All specimens were processed using PCR test for 14 high-risk subtypes and 2 low-risk subtypes. PCR results were defined as the gold standard when assessing the performance of self-sampling and clinician-sampling. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each approach independently, and then chi-square test was used to compare two approaches. A total of 211 MSM were recruited and tested from April to October 2020 in Zhuhai, China. The mean age of MSM was 31 years old (SD = 7.9). The overall prevalence of HPV among participants was 49% (103/211). Clinician-sampled specimens detected 91 of 103 MSM infected with HPV, with a sensitivity of 88.3% (95% CI: 80.2–93.6), and specificity of 100.0% (95% CI: 95.7–100.0), respectively. Self-sampled specimens detected 81 of 103 MSM infected with HPV, with a sensitivity of 78.6% (95% CI: 69.2–85.9), and a specificity of 100.0% (95% CI: 95.7–100.0), respectively. The sensitivity was comparable between the clinician-sampling and self-sampling among MSM (P=0.09). HPV self-sampling is feasible among MSM and it holds the potential in scaling-up HPV testing services among key populations.

Objective: Paucity of resources and trained professionals makes it difficult to implement a cervical cancer screening program in India. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of self-sampling for detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in a communitybased cervical cancer screening project. Methods: Women (30-60 years) were assigned to do self-sampling or get their samples collected by healthcare workers in outreach clinics. The samples were brought to the institute and were tested by hybrid capture2 (HC2) test for 13 high-risk HPV types. HC2 positive women were brought to the institute where they underwent colposcopy, biopsy and treatment by Thermal ablation, Cryotherapy or Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP). A focussed group discussion was done with health workers involved with this project in the form of a questionnaire. Results: From May 2017 and December 2020, 15,311 women were recruited. Amongst them, 4916 (32.1%) had self-sampling and 10,395 (67.9%) had health-worker collected sample. The HC2 positivity rates in both groups were 269 (5.5%) and 652 (6.3%), which was not significantly different statistically (P = 0.06). The colposcopy rates and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) 2 and 3 detection rates were also similar. All women were comfortable with self-sampling with no sample inadequacy or wastage of collection kits. The health workers rated both procedures as acceptable. The advantage of selfsampling was that no examining table or light source was required and the screened women were less ''shy'' while sample collection. Conclusion: Self-sampling for HPV may increase participation in cervical cancer screening programs, especially in the COVID19 era.

BACKGROUND: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the causative agent for cervical cancer, can be tested for using self-collected vaginal samples. Self-collection is promising for HPV screening in hard-to-reach populations. To assess the relationship between willingness to self-collect and subsequent uptake of self-collection, we conducted a longitudinal study of reproductive-age women in rural Malawi. METHODS: At baseline, we asked women if they would be willing to self-collect a vaginal sample for HPV testing. At follow-up (12–18 months later), we offered the same women the opportunity to self-collect a sample for HPV testing. We examined unadjusted and adjusted associations between baseline willingness to self-collect a sample for HPV testing and uptake of self-collection at follow-up using log-binomial models. RESULTS: Among 122 women who, at baseline, indicated willingness to self-collect, n=65 (53%) agreed to self-collect a sample at follow-up. Of 64 women who stated unwillingness at baseline to self-collect, n=30 (47%) self-collected a sample for testing at follow-up. We observed no association between women’s willingness at baseline and their observed self-collection decision at follow-up (unadjusted prevalence ratio: 1.14, 95% confidence interval: 0.83–1.55). The association remained non-significant after adjustment for age, awareness of cervical cancer, and perceived behavioral control. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that evaluation of acceptability of self-collection should go beyond simply asking women if they would be willing to self-collect a vaginal sample. Given that half of this study’s participants agreed to self-collect a sample when the opportunity was offered, regardless of their previously stated preferences, self-collection should be offered to everyone.

Objectives To evaluate experiences and reactions after receiving a mailed, unsolicited human papillomavirus self-sampling kit and identify psychosocial correlates of using kits. Methods Survey participants were underscreened women aged 30–64 who were mailed human papillomavirus kits as part of a pragmatic trial at Kaiser Permanente Washington, a United States integrated health care system. Six months after the mailing, we invited kit returners and non-returners to complete a web survey that measured psychosocial factors (e.g. cervical cancer/human papillomavirus knowledge, attitudes toward screening), experiences, and reactions to kits. We compared responses between kit returners and non-returners. Results Comparing 116 kit returners (272 invited) and 119 non-returners (1083 invited), we found no clinically significant differences in psychosocial factors. Overall, survey respondents showed knowledge gaps in human papillomavirus natural history (82% did not know human papillomavirus infection can clear on its own) and interpreting human papillomavirus test results (37% did not know a human papillomavirus-negative result indicates low cancer risk). Kit returners found kits convenient and easy to use (>90%). The most common reason for non-return was low confidence in ability to correctly use a kit, although many non-returners (49%) indicated that they would consider future use. Women reported low trust in human papillomavirus testing to identify women at high risk for cervical cancer (52% in returners, 42% in non-returners). Conclusions Screening programs could improve uptake and acceptability of human papillomavirus self-sampling through outreach materials that emphasize the high efficacy of human papillomavirus testing for cervical cancer screening and educate patients about how to interpret results.

Background Rates of sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening are suboptimal among college women. Self-sampling methods (SSMs) may improve STI screening rates, but critical gaps remain regarding the influential characteristics of SSM to prioritize in intervention development. The purpose of this study was to explore intervention characteristics influencing the decision to adopt SSM among college women. Methods In-depth interviews (n = 24) were conducted with sexually active college women aged 18-24 years to explore preferred intervention characteristics of SSM. Interviews were stratified by screening status (screened or not screened). The instrument was guided by constructs from the Diffusion of Innovation theory and included characteristics of SSM, such as relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, adaptability, and risk and uncertainty. Results Overall, women felt that the SSM was not complex and that the instructions were straightforward. Participants discussed their strong preference for receiving their results via text or e-mail rather than via telephone. In addition, women described their concerns about mailing their sample and described their concern about potential contamination and tampering. The most salient advantage to use of SSM was avoiding an interaction with a health care provider. Conclusions This study contributes to an understanding of the salient intervention characteristics influencing the use of SSM for STI screening, which can be leveraged to improve the health of students and improve rates of screening. Findings can be used to inform the development of a future innovative, theory-based intervention that promotes the use of SSM to improve STI screening rates, and ultimately decrease the burden of STI-related disease.

In Botswana, where human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence remains high, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Multiple organizations recommend high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) testing as a screening tool; however, high coverage may not be feasible with provider-collected samples. We conducted the first assessment of self- versus provider-collected samples for hr-HPV testing in HIV-positive women in Botswana and report prevalence of hr-HPV and histological outcomes. We recruited HIV-positive women ≥25 years attending an HIV clinic in Gaborone. Self- and provider-collected samples from participants were tested for hr-HPV using Cepheid GeneXpert. Women testing positive for any hr-HPV returned for colposcopy. We used unweighted κ statistics to determine hr-HPV agreement. We report that 31 (30%) of 103 women tested positive for any hr-HPV. The most common genotypes were HPV 31/33/35/52/58. Overall agreement between self- and provider-collected samples for any hr-HPV was 92% with a κ of 0.80. Ten of the 30 hr-HPV-positive women attending colposcopy had CIN2+ (33%). In conclusion, in this HIV-positive population, there was excellent agreement between self and provider samples, and self-sampling may play an important role in screening programs in high HIV burden settings with limited resources like Botswana.

This study aims to investigate acceptance of vaginal self-sampling for high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) among long-term screening non-attenders at increased cervical cancer risk and to identify leverage points to promote screening adherence among these women. Forty-three long-term screening non-attenders performed home vaginal self-sampling for HPV, had positive HPV results, and subsequently attended gynecologic examination. Sixteen (37.2%) had high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2 or 3), and two had invasive cervical cancer. Forty-one of these women completed a questionnaire concerning Specific Knowledge about HPV, CIN, and cervical cancer, potential barriers to screening and views about self-sampling. Results were compared with 479 women treated for CIN2+ who attended gynecologic follow-up and also performed self-sampling. Significant multivariate predictors of long-term non-attender status compared with referents were low Specific Knowledge, high confidence in self-sampling, and potential barriers—refraining from activity to attend gynecologic examination, needing another's help to attend, and long travel time. Non-attenders citing fear/refraining from gynecologic examination as why they preferred self-sampling significantly more often had lowest Specific Knowledge compared with other non-attenders. All non-attenders could envision themselves doing self-sampling again while only 74% of referents endorsed this statement (p = 0.0003). We conclude that HPV self-sampling is an acceptable option for women at increased cervical cancer risk who have been long-term screening non-attenders. Educational outreach to enhance Specific Knowledge about HPV, CIN and cervical cancer is critical. Those non-attenders who explicitly avoid gynecologic examinations need special attention. Trial Registry: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02750124

International audience; Vaginal self-sampling and human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing can be useful tools for women with limited access to health care living in sub-Saharan Africa. To assess the feasibility and acceptability of vaginal self-sampling and high-risk HPV prevalence in two villages of central Senegal, women were asked to self-sample vaginal swabs for HPV detection in May, 2016. Vaginal swabs were collected from 133 women and were tested for HPV genotyping. The acceptability rate of vaginal self-sampling was 98.5%, and 99.2% of the women (133/134) used the device correctly. The quality of self-sampling was satisfactory in 100% of the samples; 10.5% of the samples were positive for HPV, including 6% with high-risk HPV types and 4% with low-risk HPV types. This preliminary study indicates that vaginal self-sampling is a valuable strategy for high-risk HPV detection and cervical cancer screening in a population of women not attending gynecologic screening in rural areas of Senegal.

PURPOSE To obtain insight into the feasibility of, and the patients' perspective on, dried blood spot (DBS) self-sampling by patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) using nilotinib. METHODS Sixty-eight patients with CML using nilotinib participated in this multicenter observational study. Patients were asked to perform blood sampling by means of the DBS method at home just before drug intake (trough level) and to complete a questionnaire including demographics and five questions on their experience with DBS self-sampling. RESULTS Sixty-one patients (57.5 ± 15.0 years, 49% female) provided 178 DBS samples of which 137 (77%) proved useful in clinical practice. Twenty percent of the samples were rejected because the spot size was too small for analysis. A further 3% were taken at the wrong time. Unsuitable DBS samples were provided by 23 patients. Their educational level was significantly lower than that of patients whose samples were all suitable (p = 0.041). Patients considered DBS self-sampling easy and not painful, and three quarters of the patients performed DBS sampling without additional assistance. Patients' belief in the reliability of DBS self-sampling was moderate to high. It was preferred over venous sampling by 37% of the patients, whereas 39% had no preference. CONCLUSION DBS self-sampling by CML patients is feasible in clinical practice provided that patients, particularly those with a lower educational level, are adequately instructed about sample collection with emphasis on timing and volume of sample collection.

Several countries offer HPV self-sampling for screening non-attendees. It is assumed that screening attendees also prefer self-sampling to clinician-based sampling, however, little research has been conducted with respect to this. Women participating in the IMPROVE-study were randomised (1:1) to self- or clinician-collected HPV testing, and HPV-positive women were retested using the other collection method. Three different questionnaires were sent out among a subset of participating women: Q1) HPV-positive women from both study groups were asked about their experiences with self-sampling and clinician-based sampling (n = 497); Q2) HPV-negative women from the self-sampling group were asked about their experiences with self-sampling (n = 2366); and Q3) HPV-negative women in the clinician-collection group were asked about their experiences with clinician-based sampling (n = 2092). Response rates ranged from 71.6 to 79.4%. Women reported significantly lower levels of shame, nervousness, discomfort and pain during self-sampling compared to clinician-based sampling. However, trust in correct sampling was significantly higher during clinician-based sampling. The majority of women in group Q1 preferred self-sampling (76.5%) to clinician-based sampling (11.9%) in future screening, while 11.6% of women reported to have no preference for either method. To conclude, women from a regular screening population have a positive attitude towards self-sampling but express some concerns with respect to accuracy. The majority prefers self-sampling to clinician-based sampling in future screening. Based on these results, a screening approach where women can choose for either self-sampling or clinician-based sampling seems highly justifiable.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare cervical cancer screening by pap smear (PS) versus preliminary HPV testing based on self-collected samples (SC-HPV).MethodsInterventional study among underprivileged women from 25 to 65 years old in four French cities. The control group (CG) was referred for a PS. The experimental group (EG) conducted a SC-HPV test followed by a PS in case of positivity. Differences on screening completion and cytological abnormalities were analysed by logistic and Cox regression.Results383 women were assigned to the EG and 304 to the CG. The screening completion proportion was 39.5% in the CG compared to 71.3% in the EG (HR = 2.48 (CI 95% [1.99–3.08];p p = 0.18).ConclusionProviding an SC-HPV-test increased the participation of underprivileged women in CCS. Nevertheless, the significant number of lost to follow-up in both groups can undermine the initial benefits of the strategy for HPV positive women.Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03118258.

(1) Background: Earwax might provide the long-term concentration of substances that are altered in chronic diseases. Standardised earwax extraction has to be exclusively performed by clinicians. We investigated the safety, reliability, and tolerance of a novel self-sampling earwax device in comparison with a clinical method, (2) Methods: We compared the reliability between both methods in a longitudinal study. We first cleaned both ears at baseline in 37 controls. Secondly, we obtained a sample a month after by extracting earwax from the right ear with a novel self-sampling device, and from the left ear by using the clinical method. Reliability of both methods was measured by coefficients of variation, (3) Results: The weight of the baseline samples was not significantly different between ear sides. The reliability of the two methods was not significantly different. The self-extraction method removed eight times more earwax than the clinical method. The new method proved to be well tolerated, (4) Conclusions: The novel device was as reliable as the clinical method in sampling earwax. In view of its practicality, safety, tolerability and efficiency, the new method may have clinical applications at a reduced cost.

Serological testing is emerging as a powerful tool to progress our understanding of COVID-19 exposure, transmission and immune response. Large-scale testing is limited by the need for in-person blood collection by staff trained in venepuncture, and the limited sensitivity of lateral flow tests. Capillary blood self-sampling and postage to laboratories for analysis could provide a reliable alternative. Two-hundred and nine matched venous and capillary blood samples were obtained from thirty nine participants and analysed using a COVID-19 IgG ELISA to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Thirty eight out of thirty nine participants were able to self-collect an adequate sample of capillary blood (≥ 50 µl). Using plasma from venous blood collected in lithium heparin as the reference standard, matched capillary blood samples, collected in lithium heparin-treated tubes and on filter paper as dried blood spots, achieved a Cohen’s kappa coefficient of > 0.88 (near-perfect agreement, 95% CI 0.738–1.000). Storage of capillary blood at room temperature for up to 7 days post sampling did not affect concordance. Our results indicate that capillary blood self-sampling is a reliable and feasible alternative to venepuncture for serological assessment in COVID-19.

ObjectiveUptake for cervical cancer screening remains well below the 80% target as recommended by Brunei’s National Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control plan. We conducted a pilot study to determine the reasons for non-attendance and explore their acceptance of human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling as an alternative to the Pap test.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at a primary healthcare center in Brunei, from January to December 2019. We recruited screening non-attendees, defined as women who were eligible for Pap test but who either never, or did not have one within the recommended screening interval of 3 years. This recruitment was done conveniently among women attending outpatient care and/or child health services at the primary healthcare center. Participants were first asked to complete a self-administered paper-based questionnaire on their reasons for screening non-attendance, and then invited for HPV self-sampling. Among those who agreed to participate in HPV self-sampling, they were asked to complete a second questionnaire on the self-sampling procedure and their samples were tested for high-risk HPV (hr-HPV). Results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultWe enrolled 174 screening non-attendees, out of which 97 (55.7%) also participated in HPV self-sampling. The main reasons for not attending Pap test screening were fear of bad results (16.1%, n = 28); embarrassment (14.9%, n = 26) and lack of time due to home commitments (10.3%, n = 18). When compared to those who agreed to participate in HPV self-sampling, those who declined were significantly older (p = 0.002) and less likely to agree that they are susceptible to cervical cancer (p = 0.023). They preferred to receive Pap test-related information from healthcare workers (59.0%, n = 155), social messaging platforms (28.7%, n = 51) and social media (26.4%, n = 47). HPV self-sampling kits were positively received among the 97 participants, where > 90% agreed on its ease and convenience. Nine (9.3%) tested positive for hr-HPV, out of which eight were non-16/18 HPV genotypes.ConclusionOur findings suggest that promoting awareness on cervical cancer, clarifying any misconceptions of Pap test results, and highlighting that the disease is preventable and that early detection through screening can facilitate successful treatment would help increase screening uptake among Bruneian non-attendees. Response to HPV self-sampling was highly positive, suggesting the possibility of implementing this strategy in the local setting. Our high detection of non-16/18 HPV genotypes suggest high prevalence of other hr-HPV genotypes in Brunei. Larger studies should be conducted to further validate our findings.