Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Does this test have other names?
HPV DNA test, DNA Pap, HPV co-test
What is this test?
This test checks for the human papillomavirus (HPV) around the cervix. HPVs can cause
warts, including plantar warts on the bottom of the feet and genital warts. They can
also cause different kinds of cancers, including cervical, throat, and anal cancers.
More than 100 types of HPVs have been identified. Relatively few carry a high cancer
risk. HPV can travel from person to person during sexual contact. In fact, it's one
of the most widely spread sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Why do I need this test?
You may need this test to see whether you have HPV. Because long-term infection with
HPV is the greatest risk factor for cervical cancer, this test is commonly used to
check women for viruses that could cause this cancer. The test may be done at the
same time as a Pap test, which checks for abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests that women ages 30 and older have a Pap
test every 5 years along with an HPV test. Another reasonable choice for women ages
30 to 65 is to get tested every 3 years with just the Pap test.
The HPV test is not recommended as a cervical cancer screening test for sexually active
women in their 20s. These women are much more likely to have an HPV infection that
will go away on its own, so the results of an HPV test are less likely to be useful.
But the HPV test might be done if a woman in her 20s has an abnormal Pap test.
Although HPV also causes anal cancer and healthcare providers can check for signs
of abnormal cells in the anus, testing for cancer-causing HPV in the anus is not currently
What other tests might I have along with this test?
Your healthcare provider may do a Pap test. This involves collecting a sample to check
for abnormal cells. If needed, your provider may also check for gonorrhea and chlamydia,
two other STDs.
What do my test results mean?
Many things may affect your lab test results. These include the method each lab uses
to do the test. Even if your test results are different from the normal value, you
may not have a problem. To learn what the results mean for you, talk with your healthcare
Tests for cervical HPV check for DNA from several types of HPV. Typically, the test
will report whether it found types of HPV that could cause cancer. A negative result
means that the test didn't find HPV types that could cause cancer. Or it found only
types that carry a low risk for cancer. A positive result means the test found at
least one HPV type that could cause cancer. It doesn't mean that you have cancer,
although it may mean you need other tests.
How is this test done?
This test requires a sample of cells from your cervix. To collect the sample, your
healthcare provider will put a speculum into your vagina so that he or she can reach
the cervix. Your provider will use one or more devices—shaped like a spatula, brush,
or both—to collect samples of cells in the cervix.
Does this test pose any risks?
This test poses no known risks.
What might affect my test results?
The results don't seem to be affected by menstrual blood or lubricant in the vagina.
Little is known about the effect of vaginal intercourse, tampons, and douching shortly
How do I get ready for this test?
Ask your healthcare provider or nurse if you need to do anything to prepare for this
test. The ACS recommends avoiding intercourse, douches, tampons, vaginal creams, and
birth control foam or jelly 2 to 3 days before a Pap test. Try to schedule the test
for at least 5 days after your menstrual period ends.