Intermediate
Technical
IVT
co-testing
Simultaneous use of both cytology and HPV testing for cervical cancer screening in eligible age groups.
Full Definition
Co-testing refers to the combined use of cervical cytology and high-risk HPV testing performed on the same specimen for women aged 30-65 years. This approach increases detection sensitivity for high-grade lesions while maintaining reasonable specificity. Co-testing allows for extended screening intervals (typically 5 years with normal results) compared to cytology alone, though it may increase detection of clinically insignificant lesions requiring careful management.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate consistently; avoid 'cotesting' as single word in formal documentation.
In Context
- "The screening program implemented co-testing for women over 30 to extend screening intervals safely." — Program evaluation report
- "Co-testing results showed normal cytology but positive high-risk HPV, requiring follow-up in 12 months." — Clinical documentation
Also known as
dual testing
combined screening
Contrasted with
primary HPV testing
cytology alone
Don't confuse with
reflex testing
triage testing