Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test
Reviewed
Also called: genital human papillomavirus test, high risk HPV test, HPV DNA test, HPV RNA test
An HPV test screens for the infection that causes cervical precancer or cancer by examining a sample of cervical cells.
Specimen: Cervical or vaginal cells
Why this test may be ordered
- To screen for cervical cancer if you are age 30 through 65
- To check for high-risk HPV infections that can lead to cervical precancer or cancer
Preparation and collection
You don't need to do anything to prepare for an HPV test. If you are having an HPV/Pap cotest: Avoid the following during the 2-day window before your HPV/Pap cotest Having vaginal sex, Douching (rinsing the vagina with water or other fluid), Using vaginal medicines or spermicidal foam, jelly, or cream. If you did have sex before the HPV/Pap cotest, or are having your period, let your provider know.
There are two ways to collect the sample needed for an HPV test. Your provider can collect the sample, or you can collect it yourself. If your provider collects the sample: You will be asked to undress completely or from the waist down. Your provider will then use a small, soft brush or swab to collect cells from the cervix. If you collect the sample yourself: Your provider will give you a tube with the testing tools and explain the steps you will take. Insert the swab or brush into your vagina up to a point indicated on the handle. Return your sample to your provider so that it can be sent to a lab for testing.
You may feel some mild discomfort when your provider collects cells from your cervix. Afterward, you may have some very light bleeding.
Understanding results
To estimate your risk, your provider will consider past test results, your age, and other health conditions you have or have had.
- Negative/Normal: Negative/Normal HPV test results mean that high-risk HPV was not found in your sample. Limitation: Your provider will let you know when you should be tested again. Next step: If you had an HPV test or an HPV/Pap cotest and had normal results, your provider may say that you can wait five years until your next test.
- Positive/Abnormal: Positive/Abnormal HPV test results mean that DNA from a high-risk HPV were found in your sample. It does mean that you have an HPV infection, which increases your risk for getting cervical precancer or cancer in the future. Limitation: A positive test result does not mean you have precancer or cancer or that you will get cancer. Next step: Your provider may suggest a colposcopy to check your cervical cells in greater detail. You may also need more frequent HPV tests or HPV/Pap cotests.
- A positive HPV test does not mean you have precancer or cancer.
- A negative test does not guarantee you will never develop cervical cancer.
- Some HPV infections clear on their own without causing problems.
What to do next
There's no treatment for an HPV infection. So, the next steps will depend on your risk for developing cervical precancer or cancer.
- What do my test results mean for my risk of cervical cancer?
- Do I need a Pap test as well?
- How often should I be tested?
- What are the next steps if my result is positive?
- Can I get the HPV vaccine?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test