HPV test

Definition

The HPV test is used to check for infection with HPV types associated with cervical cancer. Typically, the test looks for 14 different HPV types. HPV type 16 and HPV type 18 are most closely associated with cervical cancer.

Alternative Names

Human papilloma virus - testing; Abnormal Pap smear - HPV testing; LSIL-HPV testing; Low-grade dysplasia - HPV testing; HSIL - HPV testing; High-grade dysplasia - HPV testing; HPV testing in women; Cervical cancer - HPV DNA test; Cancer of cervix - HPV DNA test

The HPV DNA test may be done during a Pap test. If they are done together, it is called "co-testing."

You lie on a table and place your feet in footrests. Your health care provider inserts an instrument (called a speculum) into the vagina to open it slightly. This allows the provider to see the cervix. Cells are gently collected from the cervix area. The cervix is the lower part of the womb (uterus) that opens at the top of the vagina. The sample of cells is sent to a lab for examination.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is required for an HPV test. If you're getting a Pap test at the same time, it is recommended that you do NOT do the following in the 24 hours before the test:

  • Douche (douching should never be done)
  • Have intercourse
  • Use tampons

For your comfort, you may want to empty your bladder just before the test.

How the Test will Feel

The exam may cause some discomfort. Some people say it feels like menstrual cramps.

You may also feel some pressure during the exam.

You may bleed a bit after the test.

High-risk types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer. The HPV test is done to determine if you are infected with one of these high-risk types.

Your doctor may order an HPV test:

  • If you have a certain type of abnormal Pap test result.
  • Along with a Pap smear to screen people age 30 and older for cervical cancer.
  • Instead of a Pap smear to screen people age 30 and older for cervical cancer. (Note: Some experts suggest this approach for those age 25 and older.)

The HPV test results help your doctor decide if further testing or treatment is needed.

Normal Results

A normal result means you do not have a high-risk type of HPV. You may be asked to return in 3 or 5 years for repeat testing.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result means you have one or more high-risk types of HPV.

If HPV types 16 or 18 are detected, your provider will recommend colposcopy. This is a procedure in which the cervix is magnified with a binocular-like instrument. Small biopsies (tissue samples) are often taken during this procedure to look for evidence of a precancerous change or cancer.

If the test is positive for one or more of the other high-risk HPV types, repeat testing in one year may be recommended. Your provider will advise you about next steps if your test is positive.

References

Fontham ETH, Wolf AMD, Church TR, Etzioni R, Flowers CR, Herzig A, Guerra CE, Oeffinger KC, Shih YT, Walter LC, Kim JJ, Andrews KS, DeSantis CE, Fedewa SA, Manassaram-Baptiste D, Saslow D, Wender RC, Smith RA. Cervical cancer screening for individuals at average risk: 2020 guideline update from the American Cancer Society. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020 Sep;70(5):321-346. Epub 2020 Jul 30. PMID: 32729638 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32729638/.

Hacker NF. Cervical dysplasia and cancer. In: Hacker NF, Gambone JC, Hobel CJ, eds. Hacker and Moore's Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 38.

Perkins RB, Guido RS, Castle PE, Chelmow D, Einstein MH, Garcia F, Huh WK, Kim JJ, Moscicki AB, Nayar R, Saraiya M, Sawaya GF, Wentzensen N, Schiffman M; 2019 ASCCP Risk-Based Management Consensus Guidelines Committee. 2019 ASCCP Risk-Based Management Consensus Guidelines for Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Tests and Cancer Precursors. J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2020 Apr;24(2):102-131. Erratum in: J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2020 Oct;24(4):427. PMID: 32243307 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32243307/.

US Preventive Services Task Force, Curry SJ, Krist AH, Owens DK, et al. Screening for cervical cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2018;320(7):674-686. PMID: 30140884 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30140884/.

Wang ZX, Peiper SC. HPV detection techniques. In: Bibbo M, Wilbur DC, eds. Comprehensive Cytopathology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 38.

Review Date: 11/10/2022
Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 02/15/2023.

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