A research team in China has evaluated more than 3,000 women for the possibility of detect human papillomavirus (HPV) from menstrual blood collected with a mini-pad. HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer, a preventable disease thanks to screening programs. The results of the study, published in The BMJ and disseminated through the Science Media Center Spain, suggest that this strategy, could have comparable performance to conventional screening performed in consultation by cervical sampling. According to the authors, it would allow the sample to be collected at home in a practical and non-invasive way, which could expand access to screening in women who currently do not participate due to discomfort, fear or logistical difficulties.
The details of this advance
Dr. Marta del Pino, from the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona on the Science Media Center Spain website, highlights that it is an interesting proposal as a non-invasive alternativeespecially for women who do not attend screening programs. However, he warns that cannot be considered an immediate substitute for the current system.
The study only included women with regular menstrual cycles and used a prototype device which is not commercially available. Additionally, not all women with negative results underwent biopsy, which could overestimate the true performance of the test. Another aspect to take into account is that menstrual blood collects cellular material from the entire genital tract, not exclusively from the cervix. This could increase the detection of HPV infections that are not located in the cervix and, therefore, increase false positives.
As with other strategies based on HPV detection, the positive predictive value in the general population is limitedwhich implies that a portion of the positive results will not correspond to real precancerous lesions.
The future of this test
Some experts are more skeptical about its success as a population method. Apparently, Cervical cancer screening is performed up to age 65 and many women in that age range no longer menstruate.. In addition, more and more women use hormonal intrauterine devices or long-acting contraceptives that reduce or eliminate menstruation, and the method would not be applicable to pregnant women.
Currently, Vaginal self-sampling for HPV detection already has solid evidence and is considered in international recommendations as an effective strategy to increase participation in screening. Detection in urine has also been investigated, although with variable results. In this context, menstrual blood could become an additional alternative for certain profiles of women, for example those who prefer not to manipulate their genitals or who have cultural or personal barriers to attending a consultation.
date:2026-02-07 17:47:00