**5. Conclusion**

Molecular biology techniques with different sensitivity and specificity have facilitated the characterization of the entire HPV genome, where different functional regions are identified, as a profile of their gene expression. Additionally, molecular tools have been recognized as the most appropriate method to identify and type HPV genomes because of its higher sensitivity and specificity. Although the cervical cytology for CIN has been used to reduce the incidence of mortality worldwide, molecular technologies continue to evolve for many molecular diagnostic applications. Novel strategies for detection and genotyping are impor‐ tant to complement the screening programmes for HPV detection in women at risk of cervical cancer.

It is also important to mention the WHO Global HPV LabNet as a WHO initiative established to support the world-wide implementation of HPV vaccines through improved laboratory standardization and quality assurance of HPV testing and typing methods to promote international comparability of results. The major methods for achieving progress towards this goal are developing international biological standards as well as preparing and validating proficiency panels to qualify methods. And finally, the incorporation of HPV testing into cervical cancer screening strategies has the potential to allow both increased disease detection and increased length of screening intervals. The recommendations are described above (Table 3) and follows the so-called "Meyer-criteria" that present scientific evidence for minimal criteria for an HPV test.
