Human Papillomavirus Testing
(HPV Testing; Testing, HPV; Testing, Human Papillomavirus)
This is a test to detect human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus spread by sexual contact. Certain types of HPV increase your risk of getting cervical cancer. HPV is also the cause of genital warts.
The HPV test is approved to detect some types of HPV on a woman's cervix. The cervix is located in back of the vagina. Currently, there is no test to screen men for this condition.
Reasons for the Test
The HPV test is done if you are 21 years or older and have abnormal Pap smear results. If you are 30 years or older, your doctor may also use the HPV test along with the Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.
There are no major complications associated with this test.
What to Expect
Prior to Test
Do not schedule the test during your menstrual period.
To be more comfortable, urinate before the test.
Description of Test
You will lie on your back. Your feet are placed in foot rests. You will be asked to let your legs fall open to the side. A medical instrument called a speculum will be gently inserted into the vagina. It opens the vagina so that the cervix can be viewed. A swab will be inserted into the vagina. The swab will be used to wipe the walls of the cervix. The swab will then be sent to the lab. This test is most often performed at the same time you are having a Pap smear.
Call Your Doctor
After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occur:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Foul vaginal odor, pain, or unusual vaginal discharge
- Severe abdominal pain or swelling
In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Sex Information and Education Council of Canada
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010. MMWR. 2010;59(No. RR-12):1-110.
Genital HPV infections—CDC fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm. Updated March 18, 2012. Accessed May 30, 2013.
HPV and men—fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/STD/hpv/STDFact-HPV-and-men.htm#testforwomen. Updated February 23, 2012. Accessed May 30, 2013.
Human papillomavirus testing. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/human-papillomavirus-hpv/diagnosis-tests.html. Updated December 2010. Accessed May 30, 2013.
Last reviewed May 2013 by Andrea Chisholm, MD; Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.