HPV test

Human papillomavirus, also called HPV, that is spread through sexual activity can cause genital warts, changes in cervical cells or cancers. The HPV test looks for evidence of the virus in samples from the body. This test may be done at the same time or after another screening test called a Pap test or Pap smear.

The HPV test screens for cancer of the lower, narrow end of the uterus that's at the top of the vagina, called the cervix. But the test doesn't show cancer. Instead, the test shows HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer. Certain types of HPV increase cervical cancer risk. Knowing that you have a type of HPV that puts you at high risk of cervical cancer helps you and your healthcare team decide on the next steps in your care. Those steps might include your having repeat HPV and Pap tests. Or your healthcare professional may recommend taking a sample of the cervix for testing, called a biopsy. You may also need treatment for precancerous cells. A positive HPV test doesn't mean that you'll get cervical cancer. But it does mean that your healthcare professional may suggest screening more often or for longer than is typical. Many guidelines don't suggest testing under age 30 for HPV. But talk with your healthcare professional about about the right time for you to test for HPV. The infections most often become inactive, called dormant, or go away on their own with no lasting cell changes to the cervix. Dormant infections may stay inactive for years and then become active again. Cervical changes that lead to cancer can take years to show up. So if you test positive for HPV, you might have watchful waiting instead of treatment for cervical changes caused by an HPV infection.

As with any screening test, an HPV test carries the risk of false-positive or false-negative results. False-positive. A false-positive test result shows that you have a high-risk type of HPV when you don't. A false-positive result could lead to follow-up tests that you don't need. These can include a repeat test or cervical biopsy. False-positives are rare, but they can cause worry. False-negative. A false-negative test result means that you do have an HPV infection, but the test shows that you don't. This might cause a delay in getting follow-up tests. You can have HPV, but the test can be negative. This may mean that your body is controlling the HPV infection. But the HPV is still in your body. A future test can be positive without new contact with HPV.

You don't need to do anything before you have an HPV test. But since an HPV test often is done at the same time as a Pap test, you can take these measures to help both tests be correct: Don't have intercourse for two days before the test. Also don't douche or use vaginal medicines or sperm-killing foams, creams or jellies. Try not to have the test during your menstrual period. The test can be done, but your healthcare professional can collect a better sample of cells at another time in your cycle.

An HPV test most often is done at the same time as a Pap test. A Pap test looks for cancer in cells from your cervix. An HPV test can be done using the sample from the Pap test. Or your healthcare professional can get a second sample from the cervical canal.