From HPV detection to HPV risk assessment
Type-specific HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing for clinically meaningful cervical cancer triage
High-risk HPV testing is an important first step in cervical cancer screening.
But a positive HPV result does not mean that all women have the same risk.
Most HPV infections are transient and will not progress to cervical disease. The clinical challenge is to identify the infections that are more likely to matter — the infections associated with viral oncogene activity and increased risk of high-grade cervical lesions.
PreTect HPV-Proofer detects type-specific E6/E7 mRNA expression from the high-risk HPV genotypes most strongly associated with cervical cancer.
By focusing on viral oncogene activity rather than HPV presence alone, HPV mRNA triage provides clinically relevant information to support risk-based follow-up after:
• a positive high-risk HPV DNA result
• low-grade cytology, such as ASC-US or LSIL
• clinical situations where more specific risk stratification is needed
Why genotype matters
Not all high-risk HPV types carry the same risk.
HPV 16 and 18 are well known for their strong association with cervical cancer, but additional genotypes also contribute substantially to high-grade cervical disease. This makes type-specific information important when assessing an HPV-positive woman’s risk.
PreTect HPV-Proofer assays focus on the HPV genotypes with the greatest clinical relevance:
HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58
Why mRNA triage matters
🧬HPV DNA testing detects the presence of viral DNA.
🔬HPV mRNA testing detects expression of the viral E6/E7 oncogenes 🎯Type-specific results support risk-based triage
E6 and E7 are key viral biomarkers involved in the development of cervical precancer and cancer.
Detecting their mRNA expression provides information about whether the HPV infection is transcriptionally active — helping to identify infections with higher clinical relevance.
This makes HPV mRNA triage a valuable tool in a more complete molecular cervical screening pathway.
Supporting better decisions for patients, clinicians and healthcare systems
For patients
HPV mRNA triage may help reduce unnecessary follow-up procedures by providing more specific information after a positive HPV result.
For clinicians
Type-specific mRNA results support more informed risk assessment and help guide clinical management in line with guidelines and professional judgment.
For healthcare systems
More specific triage can help focus colposcopy and follow-up resources on women with higher likelihood of clinically relevant disease.
A molecular approach for the self-sampling era
Self-sampling is changing cervical cancer screening by making HPV testing more accessible, more acceptable, and easier to integrate into modern screening programs. By reducing practical and personal barriers to screening, self-sampling has the potential to increase participation among women who may otherwise remain unscreened or under-screened.
But increased HPV testing also means more HPV-positive results —
and a greater need for accurate triage!
PreTect HPV-Proofer adds type-specific E6/E7 mRNA information after a positive HPV DNA result, helping clinicians move from HPV detection to clinically meaningful risk assessment. This supports a complete molecular screening pathway, from sample collection to risk-based follow-up.
Screen with HPV DNA.
Triage with HPV E6/E7 mRNA.
Focus follow-up on the infections that matter most.
🏆 Proofer 7 HPV mRNA Technology Recognized with Best Innovative Technology Award at ASCCP 2026
We are pleased to share that the Proofer 7 HPV mRNA E6/E7 Biomarker Test was highlighted in an award-winning study recognized at the 2026 American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) Scientific Meeting with the Best Innovative Technology Award.
The recognition was announced by Mel-Mont Medical, the US owner of Proofer 7, and highlights the growing clinical importance of more specific risk assessment after a positive high-risk HPV DNA result.
Advancing risk-based cervical cancer triage
As cervical cancer screening continues to evolve toward broader HPV-based testing and more patient-centered sample collection, there is an increasing need for triage solutions that help clinicians determine which HPV-positive women are at higher risk of clinically relevant disease.
PreTect HPV-Proofer 7 detects genotype-specific E6/E7 mRNA expression from seven high-risk HPV types. By identifying viral oncogene activity rather than HPV DNA presence alone, the test is designed to support more precise risk stratification after a positive HPV result.
This approach may help improve specificity and reduce unnecessary colposcopy referrals in selected clinical settings, while maintaining focus on the detection of clinically relevant cervical disease.
A meaningful recognition for mRNA-based triage
The ASCCP recognition underscores the relevance of HPV mRNA-based testing in the future of cervical cancer screening and follow-up. It also reflects the increasing need for diagnostic tools that provide clinicians with more actionable information after a positive HPV screening result.
Mel-Mont Medical’s US press release presents Proofer 7 as part of the Mía™ Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Test, combining patient-centered self-collection with HPV DNA and HPV mRNA information from a single sample.
Read Mel-Mont Medical’s full US press release:
Mel-Mont Medical Recognized at ASCCP with the Best Innovative Technology in HPV mRNA-Based Cervical Cancer Triage
Read about PreTect, our mission and why our technology is important in the fight against cervical cancer
At PreTect, we have developed a test specifically designed for women in their twenties who are at risk of having early signs of cancer missed. We have developed our test to be used in collaboration with cytology to ensure higher safety for women…
“We are truly impressed by the HPV mRNA Service testing; delivering results of great importance for risk stratification of our patients. The fast turnaround time exceeded our expectations as work was done faster than we thought was possible. Everyone was very helpful, professional and thorough. All of these made us feel like our business was their first priority. I have no hesitation in highly recommending their excellent service! ”