North Bay hospital’s laboratory chosen as one of three facilities to test for HPV

The North Bay Regional Health Centre is one of three facilities selected to perform human papillomavirus testing.

The North Bay Regional Health Centre’s laboratory has been selected as one of three facilities to perform human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.

The hospital is receiving money over the next seven years to support and increase its testing capabilities.

Lab technicians have new equipment that will be used to screen and test for HPV.

“It allows us to detect early oncogenic virus infection,” said Dr. Adewale Adeyinka, the hospital’s head of laboratory services.

“It also allows us to identify those women who have persistent infection.”

HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Some types lead to cervical cancer.

Up to 35,000 tests a year

It’s expected the hospital will be able to complete up 35,000 tests per year.

“We’re hoping … to push for more regular screening. Maybe this will encourage eligible participants that have not been screened previously to actually come in and get screened,” laboratory manager Rachel Desjardins told reporters.

The Ontario government is replacing cervical cytology (referred to as “Pap” tests) as the primary screening test in the Ontario Cervical Screening Program (OCSP) to better identify those who are at the highest risk for cervical cancer.

Patients still visit their primary health-care provider for cervical screening. Samples are sent to one of OCSP’s laboratory service providers, which includes North Bay Regional Health Centre, for testing.

“HPV infection is quite common. But most people who have it clear it,” Adeyinka said.

“It’s just the few people who have persistent infection -- that’s the target group.”

Ontario Health awarded the hospital one of three contracts in the province to screen the tests. North Bay Regional Health Centre, LifeLabs, or Dynacare will perform all OCSP-related HPV testing in the province.

The hospital is receiving $6.7 million over seven years to support increased testing.

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli said this will provide equitable access to best practices of care. and will lead to improved detection of pre-cancerous changes or cancers at an earlier stage and fewer patients developing cervical cancer.

“That alone just says that this is a top-notch facility with world-class talent,” Fedeli said.

“The North Bay Regional Health Centre is the only partner in the north. Today’s announcement is a win for people living in the North, specifically women.”

The improved performance of HPV testing allows for longer intervals between screens for people who test negative for HPV. In addition, new guidance for management and follow-up will minimize repeat testing and support timely discharge from colposcopy.

Primary screening with the HPV test is considered to be the standard of care for the OCSP.

“It’s the first and many steps of curbing cancer here,” Desjardins said.

Ontario Health is working to ensure readiness for the target launch of HPV testing this spring.