Human papillomavirus laboratory manual, First Edition, 2009

Overview

This manual was developed by the WHO HPV Laboratory Network (WHO HPV LabNet) based on knowledge and experience gained through its international collaborative studies over the past several years. The manual aims to assist in establishing the laboratory support required for implementation and monitoring of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programmes by:

• providing a brief summary of the biology and natural history of HPV and the worldwide burden of HPV-associated diseases; 
• discussing the role of laboratories and the WHO HPV LabNet in supporting HPV surveillance and vaccination impact monitoring;
• describing the currently available international standards (IS) and secondary standards for HPV testing and their appropriate use;
• providing guidance on specimen collection and handling for HPV testing;
• providing an overview of HPV serologic and DNA testing and providing example protocols evaluated by the WHO HPV LabNet;
• providing guidance on laboratory quality assurance (QA).
  
  The manual should be useful for all audiences involved in development and implementation of HPV vaccines, particularly those involved in generating or using HPV laboratory data. Additional information on HPV and HPV vaccine can be found in many sources. This document is a living document that will be amended in the light of future advances made in the area, and future global experience of HPV laboratory surveillance and vaccination monitoring.