Dear diana09,

You're right, there is a new kind of test called the Hybrid Capture II test. It is usually only given to women who are 30 and older or to younger women who have had abnormal Pap tests. A Pap test is a procedure in which cells are collected from the cervix to examine them for signs of precancerous changes. That means that the Hybrid Capture II test is not necessary for teens who have no history of abnormal Pap test results.

The Hybrid Capture II test is manufactured by a company called Digene. It was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a way to detect the DNA of certain high-risk strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV) which are associated with cervical cancer.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.