HPV Testing
Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by long-term infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Testing for HPV is recommended as part of cervical cancer screening, sometimes along with a Pap test. Some doctors might also recommend HPV testing for people at high risk of anal cancer.
What is an HPV test?
An HPV test looks for infection by detecting the DNA or mRNA of high-risk HPV types. These are the types of HPV that can cause precancers and cancers. An HPV test does not find cancer itself and cannot diagnose cancer.
How are HPV tests done?
For cervical cancer screening, an HPV test can be done either by itself (primary HPV testing) or at the same time as the Pap test (co-testing).
The testing sample is collected either during a pelvic exam or with self-collection.
Pelvic exam
The sample for an HPV test can be collected during a pelvic exam done by a healthcare provider. This is the preferred way to screen for cervical cancer.
If the test comes back positive for HPV, the same sample will be used to test for abnormal cells. Depending on these results, you might need more follow-up testing.
Self-collection
Self-collection is another option for HPV testing. It does not require a pelvic exam. If you use self-collection, you will get a kit to collect a vaginal sample yourself. This is done either at a healthcare clinic or at home.
If the test comes back positive for HPV, you will probably need to see your healthcare provider for a pelvic exam and further testing. They will collect cervical cells during the exam. This sample will be tested for abnormal cells, to see if more follow-up is needed.
How is an HPV test different from a Pap test?
The Pap test does not detect if a person has a current HPV infection. A Pap test looks for cell changes or abnormal cells in the cervix. These changes are likely a sign that the person has had an HPV infection.
If a Pap test is done by itself (without an HPV test) and the result is positive (abnormal), the same sample can be used to test for HPV. This helps the doctor know if more follow-up is needed.
The sample for a Pap test is collected from the cervix during a pelvic exam. When a Pap test and an HPV test are done on the same sample, this is called co-testing.
What is mRNA E6/E7 detection?
High-risk HPV types can make proteins called E6 and E7. The first FDA-approved HPV tests checked for HPV DNA. Newer tests can check for the mRNA needed to create the E6 and E7 proteins.
If this mRNA is detected, it means an HPV infection is active. Research is being done to see if this test can better predict whether a lesion caused by HPV is a precancer that might progress to cancer.
If the results of an HPV test say that mRNA E6/E7 was detected, it means the test is positive for a high-risk HPV type.
How often should I get screened for cervical cancer?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women and other individuals with a cervix who are at average risk of cervical cancer should start screening at age 25 and continue until at least age 65.
- Screening should be done every 3 to 5 years, depending on the test.
- Getting screened regularly is the most important thing, no matter which test you get.
What about testing for HPV in other parts of the body?
Some doctors recommend HPV testing for people at high risk of anal cancer. This might be done along with an anal Pap test.
Research is being done to see if HPV tests are useful for other parts of the body, including the throat (oropharynx) and penis. Currently, the FDA has only approved HPV testing on cervical samples.
- Written by
- References
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
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Fontham ETH, Wolf AMD, Church TR, et al. Cervical cancer screening for individuals at average risk: 2020 guideline update from the American Cancer Society. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020. doi:10.3322/caac.21628
National Cancer Institute (NCI). HPV and cancer. 2025. Accessed at https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer on September 3, 2026.
Palefsky JM, Brickman C. Screening for anal squamous intraepithelial lesions and anal cancer in high-risk populations. UpToDate. 2026. Accessed at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/screening-for-anal-squamous-intraepithelial-lesions-and-anal-cancer-in-high-risk-populations on September 3, 2026.
Perkins RB, Wolf AMD, Church TR, et al. Self‐collected vaginal specimens for human papillomavirus testing and guidance on screening exit: An update to the American Cancer Society cervical cancer screening guideline. CA Cancer J Clin. 2025. doi:10.3322/caac.70041
Rosenthal M, Huang B, Katabi N, et al. Detection of HPV related oropharyngeal cancer in oral rinse specimens. Oncotarget. 2017;8(65):109393-109401.
Vives A, Cosentino M, Palou J. Evaluation of human papillomavirus in males: First comprehensive review of the literature. Actas Urol Esp (Engl Ed). 2020;44(2):86-93.
Last Revised: September 3, 2026
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