Non-communicable diseases: HPV DNA testing: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Non-communicable diseases: HPV DNA testing

Sample item

Compared with cervical cytology, primary HPV DNA testing for cervical cancer screening is:

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. More sensitive for detecting high-grade cervical precancer

High-risk HPV DNA testing has higher sensitivity than cytology for CIN2 or worse lesions and allows longer screening intervals, although specificity is lower, particularly in young women. It is recommended from age 30.

Option by option

  • A. Equally sensitive but costlier

    Sensitivity is better, not equal.

  • B. Less sensitive but more specific

    Sensitivity is higher, not lower, with lower specificity.

  • C. Not useful above 30 years of age

    It is recommended from age 30 onwards.

  • D. More sensitive for detecting high-grade cervical precancer (correct)

    Correct. HPV testing is more sensitive.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is D, More sensitive for detecting high-grade cervical precancer. High-risk HPV DNA testing has higher sensitivity than cytology for CIN2 or worse lesions and allows longer screening intervals, although specificity is lower, particularly in young women.

Why is "Equally sensitive but costlier" not the answer?

Sensitivity is better, not equal.

Why is "Less sensitive but more specific" not the answer?

Sensitivity is higher, not lower, with lower specificity.

Why is "Not useful above 30 years of age" not the answer?

It is recommended from age 30 onwards.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Non-communicable diseases: HPV DNA testing in PSM. It is recommended from age 30.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Non-communicable diseases: HPV DNA testing?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.