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 high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in cervical cells. It is used to assess the risk of cervical precancer and cancer.
Specimen: Cervical or vaginal cells
Why this test may be ordered
- To screen for cervical cancer if you are age 30-65
- To follow up on an abnormal Pap test result
- To monitor HPV infection if you have risk factors such as weakened immune system or smoking
Preparation and collection
No special preparation is needed for an HPV test alone. If combined with a Pap test, avoid vaginal sex, douching, and vaginal medications for 2 days before.
Your provider collects cells from your cervix using a swab or brush, or you can collect a vaginal sample yourself using a provided swab.
Mild discomfort or cramping during specimen collection, and very light bleeding afterward. There is also a risk of false-positive or false-negative results; a positive result does not mean cancer, only increased risk.
Understanding results
Results indicate whether high-risk HPV DNA was found in your cervical cells. A negative result means no high-risk HPV detected; a positive result means high-risk HPV detected, which increases your risk for cervical precancer or cancer but does not mean you have cancer.
- Screen-negative: No high-risk HPV DNA was found in your sample. Limitation: A negative result does not guarantee you will never develop cervical cancer, and it does not rule out HPV infection at other sites. Next step: Continue routine screening as recommended by your healthcare provider (typically every 5 years if age 30-65).
- Screen-positive: High-risk HPV DNA was found in your sample. Limitation: A positive result does not mean you have cervical precancer or cancer; it only indicates an increased risk. Many HPV infections clear on their own. Next step: Your provider may recommend a colposcopy to examine your cervix more closely, or more frequent HPV/Pap tests to monitor for changes.
- 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
If you receive a screen-positive result, your healthcare provider will evaluate your risk and may recommend a colposcopy or more frequent testing. If screen-negative, continue routine screening as scheduled.
- 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
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test