HPV Test - Why & How
The human papillomavirus (HPV) test detects the presence of human papillomavirus, a virus that can lead to the development of genital warts, abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer.
Your doctor might recommend the HPV test if:
- Your Pap test was abnormal, showing atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS)
- You’re age 30 or older
Test Sample
A sampling of cells from the cervical area
Test Preparation
- It is recommended that you do not douche or use tampons or vaginal creams, deodorants, or medications for 2 days before the test.
- Some health practitioners may request that you refrain from sex for 24 to 48 hours before the test.
- Reschedule the test if you are having your period (menstruating).
- You may be asked to empty your bladder before the examination.
Results
PV test results and Pap test results go hand-in-hand when determining a woman’s risk for cervical cancer.
| Co-testing Results | What Results Might Mean | Recommended Follow Up |
| HPV test negative, Pap test normal | Cervical cancer risk is low at the present time. | Repeat co-testing in 5 years (or Pap test alone in 3 years) |
| HPV test positive, Pap test normal | Cervical cells are infected with a high-risk type of HPV, but no abnormalities found in cervical cells. | Option 1: Repeat co-testing in 12 months Option 2: Test for presence of HPV-16 or HPV-18 – If HPV-16 and/or HPV-18 present, colposcopy recommended – If HPV-16 and/or HPV-18 not present, repeat co-testing in 12 months |
| HPV test negative, Pap test result unclear (ASCUS) | No HPV infection; changes in cervical cells may be the result of infection, inflammation, or hormonal changes and are likely to clear up without treatment. | Repeat co-testing in 3 years |
| HPV test positive, Pap test result unclear (ASCUS) | Cervical cells are infected with a high-risk type of HPV. The infection is the likely cause of abnormalities in your cervical cells. | Colposcopy to examine cervical cells under magnification |
| HPV test negative, Pap test abnormal (low-grade changes) | No HPV infection; cause of abnormal cervical cells unknown | Option 1: Repeat co-testing in 12 months Option 2: Colposcopy to examine cervical cells under magnification |
| HPV test positive, Pap test abnormal (low-grade changes) | Cervical cells are infected with a high-risk type of HPV, which is the likely cause of abnormal cell growth. | Colposcopy to examine cervical cells under magnification and treatment of precancerous growths, if present |
Men
The HPV test is available only to women; no HPV test yet exists to detect the virus in men. However, men can be infected with HPV and pass the virus along to their sex partners.
* The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.