Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title : SELF -SAMPLING FOR HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS DNA DETECTION: A 
PRELIMINARY STUDY OF COMPLIANCE AND FEASIBILITY IN BOLIVIA  
 
Version: 1 Date: 14 Aug 2017 
 
Reviewer:  Endalkachew  Assefa  
 
Reviewer’s report:  
 
SELF -SAMPLING FOR HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS DNA DETECTION: A 
PRELIMINARY STUDY OF COMPLIANCE AND FEASIBILITY IN BOLIVIA  
 
Comments for author  
 
1. Abstract:  Conclusion part  
 
     Instead of saying "Furthermore, Bolivian women showed willingness to accept self -sampling 
for cervical cancer prevention"…better to replace by preferred self -sampling…because this is 
your study result.  
 
 
2. Introduction: The incidence and mortality rates in Bolivia are the highest in Latin America:  
 
      What is the cause for mortality…mention it.  
 
 
3. What is the protocol for sample taking, smearing on slides (how many times) , handling, 
transport and patient preparation before taking self - samples …..please describe in detail.Did yoy  
 
 
4. Did you take samples from the same patients to compare self Vs  Physician …? Because it has 
different clinical implication. If not it is difficult to make a conclusion.0937939393/379494  
 
 
5. How much of the cotton tip inside the vagina? (Considering individual variation) It will affect 
your result because if it inserted  deep you may samples from cervix.  
 
 
6. You should specify the time for how long the tampon will stay in the vagina (instead of saying 
few seconds)  
 
 
7. Write/document for how long cell suspension incubated. (Instead of saying overnight)  
 
Are the methods  appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an 
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further 
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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