PapIG, HPV, rfx 16/18

Other names: Pap test, Pap smear

Reference range:

Negative Positive

PapIG, HPV, Rfx 16/18, refers to a series of tests used in cervical cancer screening.

The Pap test, or Pap smear, is a procedure that collects cells from the cervix to detect precancerous or cancerous cell changes.

HPV refers to the human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer. Specific strains of HPV, particularly types 16 and 18, are known to be high-risk for developing cervical cancer.

The term "Rfx" stands for "reflex," suggesting a testing protocol where, if an initial test (like an HPV test) is positive, it is followed by a reflex test specifically for the high-risk types 16 and 18. When the results for these tests come back negative, it indicates that no high-risk HPV types are present and that there are no abnormal cell changes on the cervix at the time of testing. This outcome is reassuring, but regular screening is recommended to monitor for any future changes that could develop into cervical cancer.

What does it mean if your result is Negative?

A negative result for a Pap test, also referred to as a Pap smear, along with negative testing for HPV types 16 and 18, generally indicates that no cell changes have been found on the cervix, which is a positive outcome. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 are known for having the highest risk for causing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 3) and cervical cancer. Therefore, testing negative for these strains suggests a lower risk for these conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a normal or negative Pap test result is good news, but it is still recommended to continue routine Pap tests in the future because new cell changes can occur on the cervix over time. If only a Pap test was performed, the next screening is typically advised in three years. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) emphasizes that while HPV 16 or 18 infections are the most concerning, further evaluation such as colposcopy (a procedure to closely examine your cervix, vagina and vulva for signs of disease) with biopsy is necessary even when cytology results are negative to ensure there are no high-grade lesions or occult (hidden) cancers. However, if the test for HPV 16 or 18 is negative and additional laboratory testing of the same sample is not feasible, further immediate evaluation may not be required.

What does it mean if your result is Positive?

If the PapIG, HPV, reflex testing for types 16/18 (often referred to as HPV Rfx 16/18) comes back positive, it indicates the presence of high-risk HPV types that are commonly associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. Specifically: PapIG Positive: If the Pap test is positive, it means that atypical or abnormal cells were detected on the cervix. The nature of these cells could range from low-grade lesions, which are typically mild and may resolve on their own, to high-grade lesions, which are more likely to develop into cancer if not treated. HPV Positive: A positive HPV test indicates the presence of human papillomavirus DNA in the cervical cells. There are many types of HPV, but not all are associated with cervical cancer. Rfx 16/18 Positive: This result means that, upon reflex testing, high-risk HPV types 16 or 18 have been detected. These particular strains are known to significantly increase the risk of developing cervical cancer compared to other types. When high-risk HPV types are found, especially types 16 or 18, and/or if the Pap test shows abnormal cells, further diagnostic procedures are usually recommended. This may include a colposcopy, which is an examination of the cervix using a magnifying instrument to view the area in greater detail, and possibly a biopsy to sample tissue for closer examination. It is essential to follow up with a healthcare provider to understand the implications of a positive test result and to receive appropriate care. The healthcare provider will consider these results in the context of the individual's health history and risk factors to decide the next steps in management and treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Healthmatters is a highly-personalized health dashboard.

Instead of searching for your lab results in different places or tracking them down from different providers, Healthmatters houses, organizes, and interprets them all in one central location.

With a Healthmatters account, you can dive into the details of each biomarker and gain insights into the meaning behind your medical test data, anytime, anywhere.

For our professional users, Healthmatters provides intuitive tools that not only streamline analysis but also save valuable time when delving into your client's lab report history.

Healthmatters.io personal account provides in-depth research on 4000+ biomarkers, including information and suggestions for test panels such as, but not limited to:

  • The GI Effects® Comprehensive Stool Profile,
  • GI-MAP,
  • The NutrEval FMV®,
  • The ION Profile,
  • Amino Acids Profile,
  • Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH),
  • Organic Acids Test,
  • Organix Comprehensive Profile,
  • Toxic Metals,
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC),
  • Metabolic panel,
  • Thyroid panel,
  • Lipid Panel,
  • Urinalysis,
  • And many, many more.

You can combine all test reports inside your Healthmatters account and keep them in one place. It gives you an excellent overview of all your health data. Once you retest, you can add new results and compare them.

If you are still determining whether Healthmatters support your lab results, the rule is that if you can test it, you can upload it to Healthmatters.

While we work with many popular labs, we welcome reports from lots of other places too.

It's as simple as this: if you can get a test done, you can upload it to Healthmatters and we can interpret results from any lab out there. If laboratories can analyze it, we can interpret it.

If you’re on the hunt for a specific biomarker, contact us and we'll add it to our database. Anything from blood, urine, saliva, or stool can be uploaded, understood, and tracked with your Healthmatters account.

There are two ways to add your test reports to your Healthmatters account. One option is to input the data using the data entry forms. The other method is to utilize our "Data entry service."

Our data entry forms offer an easy, fast, and free way for you to input the reports yourself. Self-entry allows you to add an unlimited number of reports at no cost. We make the self-entry process user-friendly, providing dozens of templates that pre-populate the most popular laboratory panels and offering instant feedback on entered values.

For those who prefer assistance, we offer a "Data entry service" to help you input your data. Simply attach an image or file of your lab test results, and a qualified team member from our data entry team will add the results for you.

We support various file types, including PDFs, JPGs, or Excel. This service is particularly useful if you have many reports to upload or if you're too busy to handle the data entry yourself.

Our special data entry service makes it easy to add your results to your private dashboard. Just attach an image or a file of your lab test results, and our skilled data entry team will do the work for you. It's all done by humans, ensuring that your data is entered accurately and with personal care for each client.

Depending on your account, the data entry service can be included for free or come at an additional cost of $15 per report.

For users on the Complete monthly plan, the first report is entered free of charge, and each additional report incurs a fee of $15.

Unlimited account holders enjoy the entry of ten reports without charge. Subsequent reports are subject to a $15 fee per report.

Additionally, users on the Complete plan can upgrade to a yearly subscription from the account settings. The annual subscription includes a data entry service for five reports.

The Unlimited plan is a one-time purchase for $250, and it covers your account for a lifetime with no additional payments.

For the Complete plan, the cost is $15 per month. You have the flexibility to cancel it anytime through your account settings, ensuring no further payments. To avoid charges, remember to cancel at least a day before the renewal date. Once canceled, the subscription remains active until the end of the current billing cycle.

Additionally, you can upgrade to the yearly Advanced plan from within your account. The annual cost is $79, and it comes with a data entry service for five reports.

You can always upgrade to a lifetime version with a prorated price from a monthly or yearly subscription.

Simply log in and navigate to your account settings to cancel your subscription. Scroll down to locate the 'Cancel' button at the bottom of the page. Ensure you cancel at least one day before the renewal date to prevent any charges. Once cancellation is requested, the subscription remains active until the conclusion of the current billing cycle.

Our goal has been to make your Healthmatters account as intuitive as possible.

We’ve crafted multiple ways for you to navigate your data, whether you're glancing at a single report or delving into your historical test reports.

1. Graph View:

Dive into a visual journey with our biomarker graphs, showcasing over 40 data points. Combining years of results unveils trends, empowering you to make informed decisions. Our visualization tools make it a breeze to compare and understand changes over time, even if your results are from different labs. A search function and filters simplify the exploration of extensive data, allowing you to focus on what needs attention.

2. All Tests View

Explore neatly organized reports on a timeline, highlighting crucial details like dates, critical results, and lab/panel names. Each report opens up to reveal in-depth descriptions and additional recommendations for each biomarker. The history of previous results is just a click away, and you can download a comprehensive report for deeper insights. Color-coded and user-friendly, it's designed for easy reading, understanding, and navigation.

3. Table View:

For a holistic view of all biomarkers side by side, our table view is your go-to. Results are neatly displayed in a categorized and dated table, ideal for those with an extensive test history. Utilize sorting, filters, and color-coding to enhance your analysis and gain extra insights.

Yes, you can download information from your account. We can compile your labs into a CSV file. To download all your labs, you can go to Account Settings, and at the bottom of the page, you will find a link to download your information.

Yes, you can print your report. To do so, navigate to "All tests" and open the report you wish to print. You'll find a print button in the right corner of the report. Click on it, and your browser's print window will open. If you prefer to print in a bigger typeface, adjust the scale using the print window settings.

Yes, you can! We highly recommend activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your account. To do so, please navigate to the "Profile and Security" section of your account, where you will find instructions for activating 2FA.

Yes, you can. When entering values for the biomarker, you will see an "Edit Range" button. Click this button, and you'll have the option to enter a custom range.

A personal account is all about keeping your own lab test results in check. It's just for you and your personal use.

The professional account is designed for health professionals who wish to track and organize their clients' laboratory results.

Yes, you can! Simply go to the "Invite Doctor" section, enter your doctor’s email address, and send the invitation. Your doctor will receive an email with secure access to view your results. You can revoke this access at any time. All shared information is securely encrypted and protected for your privacy.
Yes, you can! Go to the Graph view or Spreadsheet view. In the top-right corner, click "Export to Excel," and the file will be downloaded to your device.

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