The HPV Test

Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by long-lasting infection with some high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Doctors can test for the high-risk HPV types by looking for pieces of their DNA in cervical cells. This is known as an HPV test.

When is the HPV test used?

The HPV test is most often used to screen for cervical cancer and precancers (cervical changes that might become cancer if not treated).

• A primary HPV test is an HPV test that is done by itself for screening.
• Some HPV tests are FDA-approved only as part of a co-test, when the HPV test and the Pap test are done on samples collected at the same time to screen for cervical cancer.

How is an HPV test done?

The HPV test can be done in 2 ways:

Sample collection by a health care provider

During a speculum exam, a health care professional collects a sample of cervical cells for HPV testing by gently scraping or brushing the cervix with a special tool.

This is the preferred way to screen for cervical cancer or precancer because the lab can do further testing on the cervical cells if anything abnormal is found. 

If the test is negative (normal), the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that you repeat the test in 5 years.

Self-collection

You can collect your own sample for HPV testing by using a soft swab to collect cells from your vagina. This can be done privately in a clinic setting or at home, without a health care provider present. A health care provider will still need to order the test for you. 

• If this test is negative (normal), the ACS recommends that you repeat the test in 3 years.
• If the test shows anything abnormal, you will need to see your health care provider again for a speculum exam. During this exam, the provider will collect cervical cells for further tests or follow-up procedures.

Note about ordering HPV tests online: HPV tests that you can order yourself online may not be good quality. ACS recommends using only tests and collection devices approved by the FDA. These are only available through your health care provider.

Co-testing with HPV and Pap tests

Some HPV tests are FDA-approved to be used only as part of a co-test, in which an HPV test and a Pap test are done at the same time. 

Doing a co-test does not add much benefit compared with HPV testing alone. But an HPV test alone, known as a primary HPV test, may not be available in some settings, so co-testing every 5 years is still acceptable for cervical cancer screening.

The most important thing to remember is to get screened regularly, no matter which test you get.

For more information on using the HPV test to find cervical cancer early, see the American Cancer Society Guideline for Cervical Cancer Screening.

What do my HPV test results mean?

The results of the HPV test help your doctor assess your risk of having cervical cancer. A positive (abnormal) result does not mean you have cancer. Most abnormal HPV test results turn out not to be cancer. But if you have an abnormal result, you will probably need more follow-up visits, tests, or procedures to be sure you don't have cancer or to treat a precancer.

Depending on your risk of cervical cancer, it's best to get details about your screening results from your health care provider to fully understand your options and what follow-up plan is best for you.

For more information, see HPV and HPV Testing.