Verification and Validation of a Device for Urine-Based Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Screening to Reduce Cervical Cancer in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

This project verifies and validates a low-cost device for urine-based screening for human papillomavirus, the cause of most cervical cancers, with an initial focus on Ghana. Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for women in Ghana, yet fewer than three percent of eligible women have been screened, held back by the cost of Pap smears, limited access to trained clinicians and discomfort with invasive pelvic exams. The device collects the first 20 milliliters of urine, which yields HPV detection rates comparable to self-swabbing, while letting women collect their own sample in their usual setting. Developed with clinical partners at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and University of Michigan engineering students, the reusable device is designed to be more economical, non-invasive and accessible than the standard of care, expanding screening toward the World Health Organization's 2030 goal.