What's Happening?
Hong Kong's Department of Health has issued a warning against the use of human papillomavirus (HPV) screening methods that involve collecting menstrual blood with sanitary pads. The department stated that there is insufficient scientific evidence to support
the reliability of this method for cervical screening. This announcement comes in response to claims by businesses promoting the use of sanitary pads for self-sampling and mailing to laboratories for HPV testing. The department emphasized the lack of both local and international scientific validation for this approach. In 2024, Hong Kong launched a pilot scheme for HPV testing using self-collected vaginal samples, following the World Health Organization's recommendation that self-sampling is a reliable method for cervical screening.
Why It's Important?
The warning from Hong Kong's health authorities highlights the critical need for scientifically validated methods in medical testing, particularly for conditions as serious as cervical cancer. HPV is a significant cause of cervical cancer, responsible for over 95% of cases according to the World Health Organization. The reliance on unproven methods could lead to false negatives or positives, potentially delaying necessary medical intervention or causing unnecessary anxiety. This development underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in health-related innovations, ensuring that new methods are both safe and effective before being widely adopted.
