PathAdvantage

Abnormal uterine bleeding is common, and it can be scary. The next step often matters most: endometrial sampling to rule out benign changes, precancer, or cancer.
At PathAdvantage, we use the MatrixBrush, a proprietary device designed by our founder, Dr. Alexandra Gillespie. Why clinicians choose it:

• Gentle, flexible design that conforms to the uterine cavity
• More complete, representative sampling across the endometrium
• Strong specimen quality for cytologic and histologic review
• In-office procedure with no anesthesia required
• No added cost, with the same 24-hour turnaround time

If your patients need answers, they should not have to dread the process. Read more at our blog. https://buff.ly/m8RqPnY

Can at-home HPV testing replace the Pap test? Richard Hopley M.D., pathologist and Director of Clinical Pathology at PathAdvantage sat down with Dr. Carolyn Moyers on her podcast Sky Women’s Health to discuss the what the headlines aren’t telling you about FDA-approved at-home HPV testing.

The bottom line: At-home HPV testing can be helpful and convenient for some, but HPV testing alone, without the crucial Pap test, can miss some cervical cancers. For this reason, many experts recommend Pap + HPV co-testing.

Listen to the podcast at our to learn more about who the at-home HPV test can help and how to interpret your HPV test results. For more information, check out our blog on HPV testing to make informed decisions to protect your long term health.
https://buff.ly/yEWEhFY

Historically, cervical biopsies have been performed using metal punch biopsy devices or metal curettes that can cause significant discomfort, pain and bleeding. Newer fabric-based devices reduce the pain and discomfort of biopsies with the same (if not superior) diagnostic accuracy and reliability.

Patients consistently reported:
• Pain scores near zero for the newer outer cervix (ectocervical) devices versus around 4/10 with traditional forceps.
• Pain scores of about 2/10 for the newer inner cervical canal (endocervical) devices versus 6/10 with conventional curettes.
• Significantly less bleeding and faster recovery.

Read more about these innovations in our blog: https://buff.ly/NoMVxdn

Cervical biopsies are an essential part of patient care, but they can be uncomfortable and painful. However, newer devices allow clinicians to perform cervical biopsies that are quick, thorough and nearly painless, while providing accurate and reliable information. In fact, some studies show superior accuracy and sensitivity with the soft brush biopsy devices.
Learn more about how these innovations can reduce fear and discomfort associated with traditional cervical biopsies, while allowing for more comprehensive samples and greater diagnostic accuracy: https://buff.ly/uqaoJ9Y

Traditionally, Group B Streptococcus (GBS) testing relied on culture-based methods that take 2 to 3 days for results. But for most pregnant women, that delay isn’t just inconvenient — it can be deadly. Waiting for days for culture means some women can deliver before their GBS status is even known. If GBS is transmitted during delivery, it can cause serious infections like pneumonia, sepsis or meningitis. Fortunately, if GBS is found before birth, it can be easily treated with antibiotics.
We switched to PCR-based testing with the Hologic Panther Fusion GBS Assay. In our studies, it delivered higher accuracy than our previous methods, and most tests had results within 24 hours. Read more about GBS and PathAdvantage’s cutting-edge testing methods in our blog https://buff.ly/fagfN8G

Join us in the laboratory to meet Alejandro Vargas M.D., our pathologist specializing in innovation and technology. We sat down with Dr. Vargas to discuss his passion for pathology and his desire to make a positive impact in the lives of his patients. Learn more about Dr. Vargas in our interview. https://buff.ly/oq1nSTI

Is at-home HPV testing a breakthrough — or is it a blind spot in women’s health? No one can argue against increased access to testing. However, the prospect of replacing the traditional Pap test is causing experts like physicians, pathologists and advocates like Nancy Brinker and the Blank Women’s Health Imperative to raise red f**s. Here are the key points they make:

• At-home HPV testing misses cancers. Co-testing (HPV + Pap) is more reliable. Studies show that twice as many cervical cancers are missed with HPV testing alone.
• The Pap test does more than spot cancer. It also flags other infections, hormonal issues and abnormal cells even when HPV isn’t present.
• It may lead to overdiagnosis. HPV doesn’t always lead to cancer. Over-testing can lead to anxiety, unnecessary biopsies and confusion — especially in younger women.
• No additional health insight or clinical touchpoint. An at-home test also doesn’t provide STI screening or a pelvic exam, or any access to a health professional.

At-home HPV tests can increase access — but they aren’t a replacement for complete care. Co-testing remains the gold standard for a reason. Read more in our recent blog https://buff.ly/62LPlQ3

At-home HPV testing touts a large number of benefits. But can it really replace the Pap test? Medical professionals aren't so sure. Learn more about the pros and cons of this new health tool and the implications for preventing cancer on our blog. https://buff.ly/KKHY8rW