Here is Dr Giuliano's response to my e mail. Clear as mud to me.

David,

There are sever different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers that are used to test for HPV. The ideal assay is dependent on the type of specimen. For example, in our studies of female and males where we obtain freshly collected exfoliated cell samples of the cervix, penile epithelium, or oral gargle we use Roche�s assay � Linear Array, which allows us to simultaneously detect 37 different HPV types. When we are working with tumor specimens we prefer to use the LiPa assay which uses a much smaller PCR primer that gives much higher sensitivity in tumor specimens � this detects 27 HPV types simultaneously. We are using the LiPa assay for our funded lung cancer study. We have another assay which is used to quantify viral load. This assay uses an HPV type specific primer and is also very sensitive. Currently we quantify viral load from specimens that are HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 positive. None of the above assays are licensed for use in clinical practice.

In the hospital laboratory I understand that p16 is used as an assay as it strongly correlates with HPV status.

Hope this helps and hope to see you soon.

Anna

Anna R. Giuliano, PhD
Chair, Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute


David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.