The trust in new technology is under fire again as researchers claim that a single DNA test outperforms a Pap smear in finding the virus that causes cervical cancer, the New York Times reports. The study, founded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine, is the first to show that a single screening with the DNA test beats all other method at preventing advanced cancer and death.

Not only could the new test for human papillomavirus, or HPV, save lives; scientists say that women over 30 could actually drop getting their annual Pap smears in lieu of a single DNA test once ever 3, 5 or 10 years.

Even that minute bit of uncertainty – the length of time that could or should pass between tests – is making some doctors and gynecologists weary about completely abandoning Pap smears, since they have been remarkably effective.

Perhaps some are also weary about advancing technologies, especially in light of a slew of recent so-called miracle cures and tests that have reported false promises and data. Before gynecologists and doctors really begin to accept the new DNA test and change the old Pap smears for the new, $5 test, they need to be able to understand and trust the evidence-based medicine and practice that backs the use of the DNA test up. At AllMed, we are up to date with all of the best practices and evidence-based medicine to make sure that payers and hospitals can provide the most efficient and effective medicine to their patients.

To read the full article, click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/health/07virus.html?_r=1&em