Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA)
Person in-charge: Sister Aminah in KIA Sik
Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) is a screening test for early stage of cervical cancer (secondary prevention).
VIA screening test is available in all primary health clinics in Sik District. We were informed that this is a pilot project in Malaysia and the MOH Malaysia wishes to continue VIA screening test services in this district due to high demand (>3000) from local woman.
Sister Aminah mentioned any sexually active women aged 20-49 can undergo VIA test in clinic anytime and the test would not be carried out on pregnant women and during menstruation. The test is done by performing a vaginal speculum exam during which a health care provider applies dilute (3-5%) acetic acid (vinegar) to the cervix. Abnormal tissue temporarily appears white when exposed to vinegar (ie. It appears like mosaic pattern)
Why Acetic Acid?
It dissolves mucus and induces intracellular dehydration which results in protein coagulation. As a result, cells with increased with nuclear/ cytoplasmic ratio, nuclear density and chromosomal aneuploidy.
VIA test result categories
If Negative,
No colour change on the cervical surface. Follow-up after 3 years
If Positive,
There is an acetowhite colour change on the cervical surface. Refer to Specialist Clinic for confirmation of cervical cancer through colposcopy.
There is no known side effect from VIA test except little discomfort during the procedure.
Click the reference chart for VIA findings
Dineash Kumar
No comments:
Post a Comment