The present invention involves an apparatus and method to detect lesions in the lower female genital tract produced by Human Papiloma Virus using an actinic light colposcope. The apparatus of the present invention comprises mechanical, electrical and optical (also referred to herein as the actinic light) components. The method of the present invention comprises the general steps of: (1) illumination, (2) excitement, and (3) suppression. The method disclosed and claimed herein in the clinical context takes between 15 and 20 minutes and reliable results are obtained during the patients office visit.
