Also Known As
HPV DNA
High-risk HPV
hrHPV
HPV mRNA
HPV Genotypes 16 and 18
Formal Name
Genital Human Papillomavirus
This article was last reviewed on
This article waslast modified on June 8, 2020.
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?

To screen for infections with the high-risk types of HPV (hrHPV) that can cause cervical cancer or to follow up on an abnormal Pap smear (Pap test)

When To Get Tested?
  • Every 5 years with a Pap smear (preferred) or HPV molecular test alone every 5 years (alternative strategy) when you are a woman aged 30 to 65 with average risk
  • You may be screened at a younger age and more frequently if you have risk factors, such as a weakened immune system or personal history of precancerous lesions 
  • If you are a woman aged 21 to 29 and have an abnormal Pap smear result
Sample Required?

A sample of cells is taken from the cervical area during a pelvic exam using a swab or small brush. The sample is then placed into a bottle containing a special liquid preservative. The same sample of cells can be used for both the Pap smear and the HPV test.

Test Preparation Needed?

It is typically recommended that you refrain from having sex, douching, or using vaginal products such as creams, deodorants, or medications for 24 hours before the test. Follow any instructions you are given. Reschedule the test if you are having your period (menstruating). You may be asked to empty your bladder before the examination. The American Cancer Society has details about how to prepare for the test when it is done at the same time as a Pap smear.

What is being tested?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 150 related viruses. Some types of HPV are considered high risk because they can cause cancer. HPV testing detects the genetic material (DNA or messenger RNA) of high-risk HPV (hrHPV), primarily to screen for cervical cancer or to determine whether you may be at risk of cervical cancer.

Some types of HPV can cause skin warts, while other types can cause genital warts (also called condylomata). Genital HPV infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (i.e., spread through oral, anal, or genital sex). According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 79 million Americans are infected with HPV and over 14 million become newly infected each year.

  • Low-risk HPV—some HPV strains cause genital warts but rarely cause cancer. HPV 6 and HPV 11 cause 90% of all genital warts but are considered "low risk" because they rarely lead to cancer. These low-risk types can be diagnosed through visual inspection and, therefore, do not require testing.
  • High-risk HPV—there are 14 high-risk types of HPV that can lead to cancer (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68). Two HPV types,16 and 18, cause 80% of all cervical cancers. These high-risk types can be detected with an HPV test.


Many HPV infections resolve without treatment—the body is able to clear the infection. However, infections with high-risk HPV types that do not go away can lead to cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infections with high-risk HPV. Each year, nearly 12,000 women in the U.S. develop cervical cancer and about 4,000 are expected to die from it.

In addition, some studies have also shown that persistent oral infections with high-risk types of HPV are strongly associated with oral cancers, including cancer of the mouth and throat (oropharyngeal cancer). Anal cancer has also been linked to HPV types 16 and 18. These types are also linked to other cancers, such as those of the vagina and penis.

See More
See Less
Common Questions
  • How is it used?

    The HPV test is primarily used to screen for cervical cancer and/or determine whether you may be at increased risk of cervical cancer if you are a woman between the ages of 30 and 65. The test determines whether your cervical cells are infected with a high-risk type of human papillomavirus (hrHPV). Such an infection, if long-lasting, can cause changes in cervical cells that could lead to cervical cancer.

    Because HPV infections are relatively common in women younger than 25 and often go away without treatment or complications, HPV screening is not recommended in this age group. However, HPV testing may be used as a follow-up test in women between the ages of 21 and 29 years who have abnormal results on a Pap smear known as "atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance" (AS-CUS). Results may be used to determine the need for colposcopy, a procedure that allows a healthcare practitioner to visually inspect the vagina and cervix under magnification for any abnormal areas and to collect samples for a biopsy and/or treat as necessary.

    (See also Cervical Cancer Screening: Adults, Adults 50 and Up)

  • When is it ordered?

    Several health organizations have recommendations on when to get screened for cervical cancer. HPV testing may be ordered as part of screening when you are at average risk of cervical cancer and between the ages of 30 and 65. The following is a summary of screening recommendations for average risk women:

    Screening Strategy Timing Pros Cons
    Co-testing with a Pap smear (Pap test) and HPV test (preferred) Every 5 years Will likely detect more precancers and cancers; done less frequently than Pap smears alone More false positives than Pap smear alone, leading to unnecessary anxiety and follow up
    Pap smears alone (acceptable) Every 3 years Fewer false positives Not as sensitive as co-testing (may miss some precancers and cancers); Done more often
    HPV tests alone (alternative) Every 5 years Done less frequently than Pap smears alone Finds HPV infections that may not cause problems; misses uncommon cancers that are not caused by HPV

    You should have a discussion with your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of all three screening strategies so you can decide which approach is best for you.

    Screening at a younger age and more frequent screening is advised if you have risk factors such as:

    • A previous diagnosis of a high-grade precancerous cervical lesion or cervical cancer
    • HIV infection
    • A weakened immune system
    • Exposure to DES (diethylstilbestrol) before birth


    HPV testing also may be performed when you are between 21 and 29 years of age and you have abnormal results on a Pap smear.

  • What does the test result mean?

    HPV test and Pap smear results go hand-in-hand when determining a woman's risk for cervical cancer. Results from an HPV test and Pap smear can help determine whether cervical cells are infected with a high-risk type of HPV and identify abnormal changes in cervical cells.

    HPV results are typically reported as negative or positive. Pap smear results are typically provided in a detailed report with an interpretation of results. (See the Pap Smear article for details.)

    The following chart summarizes the meaning of some common co-testing results and includes the American Cancer Society (ACS), American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), and American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) recommendations for follow up. Remember, co-testing is currently recommended for women aged 30 to 65 years.

    Co-testing Results What Results Might Mean Recommended Follow Up
    HPV test negative, Pap smear normal Cervical cancer risk is low at the present time. Repeat co-testing in 5 years (or Pap test alone in 3 years)
    HPV test positive, Pap smear normal Cervical cells are infected with a high-risk type of HPV, but no abnormalities found in cervical cells. Option 1: Repeat co-testing in 12 months
    Option 2: Test for HPV-16 and HPV-18
    - Positive: colposcopy recommended to examine the cervix for abnormal areas, to take samples for biopsy, and/or treat as indicated
    - Negative: repeat co-testing in 12 months
    HPV test negative, Pap smear result unclear (ASCUS) No HPV infection; changes in cervical cells may be the result of infection, inflammation, or hormonal changes and are likely to clear up without treatment. Repeat co-testing in 3 years
    HPV test positive, Pap smear result unclear (ASCUS) Cervical cells are infected with a high-risk type of HPV. The infection is the likely cause of abnormalities in your cervical cells. Colposcopy recommended
    HPV test negative, Pap smear abnormal [low- or high-grade lesion (LSIL, HSIL)] No HPV infection; cause of abnormal cervical cells unknown Option 1: Repeat co-testing in 12 months
    Option 2: Colposcopy recommended
    HPV test positive, Pap smear abnormal [low- or high-grade lesion (LSIL, HSIL)] Cervical cells are infected with a high-risk type of HPV, which is the likely cause of abnormal cell growth. Colposcopy recommended

    If a Pap smear is performed without an HPV test, the presence of abnormal cervical cells indicates the need to perform an HPV test to determine whether HPV infection is the cause of the cellular changes.

  • Is there anything else I should know?

    Most people who become infected with high-risk types of HPV never develop precancerous changes or cancer.

    Being infected with HPV does not necessarily mean that your partner is having sex outside your relationship. The HPV virus can hide in cervical cells for many years; so if either of you has ever had sex with another partner, you can pass the infection to your current partner.

    Although very rare, a pregnant woman may pass HPV to her baby during vaginal delivery, resulting in warts in the throat or voice box (laryngeal papillomatosis or recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, RRP).

    Being infected with HPV will not make it difficult for you to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term. However, some methods of treating precancerous growths resulting from HPV infection can make it more difficult to get pregnant or have an uncomplicated delivery.

  • How is HPV treated?

    There is no treatment for the virus itself, but the body's immune system is usually able to clear the infection within a few years. There are treatments, however, for the conditions the virus causes. Precancerous growths on the cervix can be treated in a variety of ways, from cryosurgery that freezes and destroys abnormal cells, to surgical removal of abnormal tissue. Catching cervical changes early is the key to avoiding cervical cancer, which is more difficult to treat.

    Genital warts can be removed using chemicals, by freezing them or burning them off electrically, or via surgery or lasers. For most people, this treatment will clear the warts. If warts return repeatedly, a healthcare practitioner may try injecting them with the drug interferon. Untreated genital warts can disappear on their own, stay the same, or grow in size and number and cluster in large masses.

  • How can HPV be prevented?

    Vaccination

    Vaccination may prevent most cancers and other health problems caused by HPV.

    The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that both girls and boys receive the HPV vaccine series when they are 11 to 12 years old. (Vaccination can be started as early as 9 years of age.) The vaccine is also recommended for:

    • Males up to 21 years of age and women up to 26 years of age who did not receive or complete the vaccination series when they were younger
    • Young men who have sex with men through age 26 and transgender people through age 26
    • People aged 22-26 who have weakened their immune systems, such as those who are HIV-positive, have had an organ transplant, or have used steroids for a long time

    In October 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved expanded use of the HPV vaccine to include women and men aged 27 through 45 years, but this use is not yet included in formal recommendations. If you fall into this group, you may want to talk to your healthcare practitioner about receiving the vaccine.

    The only vaccine currently used in the United States protects against nine HPV types (HPV 9-valent vaccine), including seven types that can cause cancer. Of the 32,500 cancers that HPV has caused every year, about 30,000 (90%) are caused by strains that could have been prevented by the 9-valent HPV vaccine.

    The most common HPV-related cancer in women is cervical cancer (49%). Examples of others include cancers of the anus (18%), vulva (16%) and back of the throat (oropharynx) (11%). In men, the most common is cancer of the back of the throat (81%). Examples of others include anus (12%) and penis (7%).

    The vaccine may be given in a series of 2 or 3 shots. For more information about dosing schedules, see the CDC website. Women who have been vaccinated against HPV should still undergo regular cervical cancer screening using one of the three strategies mentioned earlier.

    The FDA and the CDC state that the HPV vaccine is considered safe but is most effective if given before an initial exposure to the virus. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC both recommend that young people who are sexually active still receive the vaccination, as those already infected with one type of HPV infection may benefit from the protection against other types included in the vaccine.

    Safer sexual practices

    Although monogamy (having sex with only one partner) will not keep you from becoming infected with HPV if either of you has ever had sex with someone who was infected, limiting your number of sex partners will reduce your risk of infection.

    Using condoms may reduce the risk of spreading HPV, but only the skin and mucus membranes that are covered by or comes in contact with the condom is protected from HPV. The virus can infect any uncovered skin or mucus membranes on the genitals, groin, thighs, anus, and rectum and possibly in the mouth.

  • Are men screened for HPV infection?

    Men are not routinely screened for HPV infection unless they fall into a category at high risk for cancer, such as those with compromised immune systems or men who have sex with men. Currently, there are no molecular tests approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to detect HPV in men. However, some specialty labs have validated molecular HPV tests for analyzing anal swabs from men. Additionally, men at high risk may be tested using a Pap test in which cells from the anus are examined under a microscope for abnormalities. As in cervical samples, positive results need to be followed up by the healthcare practitioner with further testing, including a more thorough exam and possible biopsy.

  • I'm a woman who has had the HPV vaccine. Do I need cervical cancer screening?

    Yes. Because currently available HPV vaccines do not protect against all cervical cancers, women who have been vaccinated still need routine screening.

  • Besides HPV, what are other risk factors for cervical cancer in women?

    According to the National Cancer Institute, certain factors can further increase your risk of developing cervical cancer after you have become infected with HPV. These include having multiple (3 or more) full-term pregnancies, long-term oral contraceptive (birth control pill) use, and cigarette smoking.

    Increased risk for cervical cancer is also associated with:

    • Having a compromised immune system (e.g., HIV infection, after an organ transplant)
    • Being overweight
    • A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
    • A history of exposure to DES (a drug given to some women between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage) before birth
    • A family history of cervical cancer
    • A history of chlamydia infection
See More Common Questions See Less Common Questions
Related Content

On This Site

Tests
Pap Smear (Pap Test)
Conditions
Cervical Cancer
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Screening
Screening Tests for Adults (Ages 30-49)
Screening Tests for Adults (50 and Up)
Articles
The Universe of Genetic Testing
In the News
Study: HPV Test More Sensitive than Pap Smear for Cervical Cancer Risk Screening
( )
USPSTF Proposes Screening for Cervical Cancer with Pap Test or HPV Test, not Both
( )
Could Some Women Wait Longer Between Cervical Cancer Screenings?
( )

Elsewhere On The Web

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Genital HPV Infection - CDC Fact Sh…
CDC: HPV and Men – CDC Fact Sheet
National Cervical Cancer Coalition: HPV and Cervical Cancer
American Cancer Society: HPV Vaccines
View Sources

Sources Used in Current Review

(May 2018) U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV vaccine information for clinicians. Available online at https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/hcp/need-to-know.pdf. Accessed February 24, 2019.

(February 19, 2015) National Cancer Institute. HPV and Cancer. Available online at https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-fact-sheet. Accessed February 21, 2019.

(July 2017) US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital HPV infection – CDC fact sheet. Available online at https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/HPV-FS-July-2017.pdf. Accessed February 21, 2019.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Advisory: Cervical Cancer Screening (Update). Available online at https://www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Practice-Advisories/Practice-Advisory-Cervical-Cancer-Screening-Update. Accessed on February 14, 2019.

(December 2018). American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Cervical cancer infographic. Available online at https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Cervical-Cancer-Screening-Infographic. Accessed February 18, 2019.

Saslow D, Andrews KS, Manassaram-Baptiste, D, et al. Human papillomavirus guideline update: American Cancer Society Guideline endorsement. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2016. 66 (5): 376-385. Available online at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.3322/caac.21355. Accessed February 21, 2019.

(December 13, 2016) U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV cancer screening. Available online at https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/screening.html. Accessed February 24, 2019.

(February 2017) American Academy of Pediatrics. HPV vaccine implementation guidance. Available online at https://www.aap.org/en-us/Documents/immunization_hpvimplementationguidance.pdf. Accessed February 24, 2019.

Meites E, Kempe A, Markowitz LE. Use of a 2-dose schedule for human papillomavirus vaccination -- updated recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). 2016. 65(49):1405–1408. Available online at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6549a5.htm. Accessed February 21, 2019.

American Cancer Society. Guideline for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine use. Available online at https://www.cancer.org/health-care-professionals/american-cancer-society-prevention-early-detection-guidelines/hpv-guidelines.html. Accessed February 18, 2019.

(November 1, 2017) American Cancer Society. What are the risk factors for cervical cancer? Available online at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html. Accessed February 21, 2019.

(February 1, 2018) National Cancer Institute. Cervical cancer prevention (PDQ®)—Health professional version. Available online at https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/hp/cervical-prevention-pdq#_344_toc. Accessed February 27, 2019.

Leeds I, Fang S. Anal cancer and intraepithelial neoplasia screening: A review. World J Gastrointest Surg. 2016 Jan 27; 8(1): 41–51. Available online at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4724586/. Accessed May 2019.

(August 2018) Fact Sheet: United States Cancer Statistics Data Brief. Available online at https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/pdf/USCS-DataBrief-No4-August2018-508.pdf. Accessed May 2019.

(March 2019) National Cancer Institute. Cervical Cancer Screening. Available online at https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/patient/cervical-screening-pdq. Accessed May 2019.

Sources Used in Previous Reviews

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available online at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdhpv.htm.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available online at http://cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/Fact_Sheets/FactsHPV.htm.

American Social Health Association website. Available online at http://www.ashastd.org/stdfaqs/syphilis.html.

Interview with Nadine Bartholoma, MS, MT (ASCP), SM. Virology Coordinator at University Hospital Pathology Laboratory, SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY.

Thomas, Clayton L., Editor (1997). Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. F.A. Davis Company, Philadelphia, PA [18th Edition].

Pagana, Kathleen D. & Pagana, Timothy J. (2001). Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference 5th Edition: Mosby, Inc., Saint Louis, MO.

(2004 Copyright). Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). American Cancer Society [On-line information]. Available online through http://www.cancer.org.

Bren, L. (2004 January February). Cervical Cancer Screening. FDA Consumer Magazine [On-line article]. Available online at http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2004/104_cancer.html.

(2004 Copyright). Human Papillomavirus (HPV). ARUP's Guide to Clinical Laboratory Testing [On-line testing information]. Available online at http://www.arup-lab.com/guides/clt/tests/clt_302a.jsp#3465668.

(2004 May 4). Revised Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Require Reeducation of Women and Physicians. ACOG [On-line news release]. Available online at http://www.acog.org/from_home/publications/press_releases/nr05-04-04-1.cfm.

(2004 Copyright). The High-Risk HPV Test: A Breakthrough in Cervical Cancer Screening. The HPVtest.com [On-line information from Digene Corportaion]. Available online at http://www.thehpvtest.com/factsheet.html.

American Cancer Society, ACS News Center, HPV Vaccine Approved; Prevents Cervical Cancer (article date June 8, 2006). Available online through http://www.cancer.org.

National Cancer Institute, Human Papillomas Vaccines: Questions and Answers (June 2006-online information). Available online at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/risk/HPV-vaccine.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration fact sheet (June 2006-online information). Available online at http://www.fda.gov/womens/getthefacts/hpv.html.

Darragh TM, Winkler B. The ABCs of anal-rectal cytology. CAP Today. College of American Pathologists, May 2004 (Online information). Available online at http://www.cap.org/apps/docs/cap_today/pap_ngc/NGC_analrectalcyto.html.

Palefsky JM, Holly EA, Ralston ML, Jay N. Prevalence and risk factors for human papillomavirus infection of the anal canal in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative homosexual men. J Infect Dis 1998;177:361-7.

American Cancer Society (July 2006) Cancer reference information, Overview: anal cancer, How is cancer found? Available online through http://www.cancer.org.

Pagana, Kathleen D. & Pagana, Timothy J. (© 2007). Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference 8th Edition: Mosby, Inc., Saint Louis, MO. Pp 546-548.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Genital HPV Infection - CDC Fact Sheet. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm. Accessed June 19, 2009.

Davis, A. J. 2009 May 28. Clinical usefulness of HPV DNA testing and genotyping. Journal Watch Women's Health.

FDA approved first DNA test for two types of human papillomavirus; agency also approved second DNA test for wider range of HPV types. 2009 Mar 13. US Food and Drug Administration. Available online at http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm149544.htm. Accessed 9 Jun 2009.

FDA approves two DNA tests to detect HPV. 2009 Mar 17. Infectious Disease News. Available online at http://www.infectiousdiseasenews.com/article/37896.aspx. Accessed 9 Jun 2009.

FDA approves two Hologic HPV tests (press release). 2009 Mar 13. Hologic, Inc. Available online at http://www.hologic.com/news-releases/view/173-year.2009_173-id.234881444.html. Accessed 9 Jun 2009.

Descriptions of new FDA-approved HPV DNA tests (clinical update). American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology. PDF available for download at http://www.asccp.org/pdfs/consensus/clinical_update_20090408.pdf. Accessed 11 Jun 2009.

Solomon D, Papillo J, Davey D, on behalf of the Cytopathology Education and Technology Consortium. Statement on HPV DNA Test Utilization. Am J Clin Pathol 2009;131:768-769.

Human papillomaviruses and cancer: questions and answers (fact sheet). National Cancer Institute. Available online at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV. Accessed 9 Jun 2009.

American Academy of Pediatrics. American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement. HPV Vaccine Recommendations. Available online at http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/602.full.pdf+html. Published February 27, 2012. Accessed April 19, 2012.

Press release. FDA Approves New Indication for Gardasil to Prevent Genital Warts in Men and Boys. Available online at http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm187003.htm. Issued October 16, 2009. Accessd March 23, 2009.

National Cancer Institute. Fact Sheet. HPV and Cancer. Available online at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV. Accessed March 23, 2012.

National Cancer Institute. Treatment Options by Stage. Available online at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/cervical/Patient/page5. Accessed March 23, 2012.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital HPV Infection - Fact Sheet. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm. Last updated February 15, 2012. Accessed April 19, 2012.

Eilleen F. Dunne et al. Prevalence of HPV Infection Among Females in the United States. JAMA. 2007;297(8):813-819. Available online at http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/297/8/813.full. Accessed February 19, 2007.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV and Men - Fact Sheet. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV-and-men.htm. Last updated February 23, 2012. Accessed April 23, 2012.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cervical Cancer Rates by Race and Ethnicity. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/dsCervicalCancer/. Updated January 26, 2011. Accessed April 23, 2012.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Cervical cytology screening. Washington (DC): American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG); 2009 Dec. 12 (ACOG practice bulletin; no. 109). Available online at http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=15274#Section420. Accessed March 23, 2012

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Cervical Cancer. Release Date: March 2012. Available online at http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspscerv.htm. Accessed March 2012.

Moyer, VA on behalf of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Cervical Cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Annals of Internal Medicine, March 6, 2012, 156(5). Available online at http://www.annals.org/content/early/2012/03/14/0003-4819-156-12-201206190-00424.full. Accessed March 2012.

American Cancer Society. New Screening Guidelines for Cervical Cancer. Article date: March 14, 2012. Available online at http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/news/News/new-screening-guidelines-for-cervical-cancer. Accessed March 2012.

Press release. FDA Approved First DNA Test for Two Types of Human Papillomavirus? Agency also approved second DNA test for wider range of HPV types. Food and Drug Administration. Available online through http://www.fda.gov. Issued March 13, 2009. Accessed April 23, 2012.

Cleveland Clinic. Understanding Cervical HPV. Available online at http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/3800/3808.asp?index=11901. Last updated January 2012. Accessed April 23, 2012.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): What is HPV. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/WhatIsHPV.html. Accessed April 23, 2012.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Making Sense of Your Pap & HPV Test Results. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/pap/default.htm#sec5. Accessed April 2012.

(March 22, 2012) American Cancer Society. HPV and Cancer. Available online through http://www.cancer.org. Accessed June 2012.

(January18, 2012) American Cancer Society. Cervical Cancer, Key Statistics. Available online at http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CervicalCancer/DetailedGuide/cervical-cancer-key-statistics. Accessed June 2012.

Reuters. Wait longer between Pap tests, doctors say. October 22, 2012. Available online at http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/22/health-cancer-papsmear-idUSL3E8LM84D20121022. Accessed November 2012.

ACOG. Ob-Gyns Recommend Women Wait 3 to 5 Years Between Pap Tests. October 22, 2012. Available online at http://www.acog.org/About_ACOG/News_Room/News_Releases/2012/Ob-Gyns_Recommend_Women_Wait_3_to_5_Years_Between_Pap_Tests. Accessed November 2012.

Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ePublications: Pap Test. Available online at http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/pap-test.html. Last reviewed January 3, 2014. Accessed July 13, 2015.

World Health Organization. Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer. Available online at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs380/en/. Reviewed March 2015. Accessed July 13, 2015.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital HPV Infection - Fact Sheet. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm. Last updated February 23, 2015. Accessed July 13, 2015.

Ratnam S, et al. Aptima HPV E6/E7 mRNA Test Is as Sensitive as Hybrid Capture 2 Assay but More Specific at Detecting Cervical Precancer and Cancer. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 2011; 49(2): 557-564.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pap Tests and Cervical Cancer – FastStats. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/pap-tests.htm. Last updated May 14, 2015. Accessed July 15, 2015.

Huh W, et. al. Use of primary high-risk human papillomavirus testing for cervical cancer screening: Interim clinical guidance. Gynecologic Oncology. Published online at http://www.gynecologiconcology-online.net/article/S0090-8258%2814%2901577-7/fulltext. Accessed February 4, 2015.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines for Average-Risk Women. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/pdf/guidelines.pdf. Accessed July 13, 2015.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV and Men – Fact Sheet. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv-and-men.htm. Last updated January 28, 2015. Accessed July 13, 2015.

Saslow, et al. American Cancer Society, American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, and American Society for Clinical Pathology Screening Guidelines for the Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer. American Journal of Clinical Pathology. 2012;137:516-542.

American Society for Clinical Pathology. Algorithms: Updated Consensus Guidelines for Managing Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Tests and Cancer Precursors. Available online at http://www.asccp.org/Portals/9/docs/ASCCP%20Management%20Guidelines_August%202014.pdf. Accessed July 14, 2015.

American Society for Clinical Pathology. Updated Consensus Guidelines FAQs. Available online at http://www.asccp.org/Guidelines/Guidelines-Frequently-Asked-Questions. Accessed July 14, 2015.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2015. Recommendations and Reports. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. June 5, 2015. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6403a1.htm. Accessed July 1, 2015.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Approved Products – Human Papillomavirus Vaccine. Available online at http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/ucm172678.htm. Last updated January 29, 2015. Accessed July 15, 2015.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Immunization – Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Available online at https://www2.aap.org/immunization/illnesses/hpv/hpv.html. Last updated June 18, 2015. Accessed July 14, 2015.

American Cancer Society. Cervical Cancer Prevention and Early Detection. Available online through http://www.cancer.org. Last revised December 11, 2014. Accessed July 1, 2015.

(Feb 2 2015) American Cancer Society. HPV and Cancer. Available online at http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/infectiousagents/hpv/hpv-and-cancer-info. Accessed Sept 2015.

See More
See Less

Ask a Laboratory Scientist

This form enables patients to ask specific questions about lab tests. Your questions will be answered by a laboratory scientist as part of a voluntary service provided by one of our partners, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Please allow 2-3 business days for an email response from one of the volunteers on the Consumer Information Response Team.

Disclaimer
Thank you for using the Consumer Information Response Service ("the Service") to inquire about the meaning of your lab test results.  The Service is provided free of charge by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, which is one of many laboratory organizations that supports Lab Tests Online.
Please note that information provided through this free Service is not intended to be medical advice and should not be relied on as such. Although the laboratory provides the largest single source of objective, scientific data on patient status, it is only one part of a complex biological picture of health or disease. As professional clinical laboratory scientists, our goal is to assist you in understanding the purpose of laboratory tests and the general meaning of your laboratory results. It is important that you communicate with your physician so that together you can integrate the pertinent information, such as age, ethnicity, health history, signs and symptoms, laboratory and other procedures (radiology, endoscopy, etc.), to determine your health status. The information provided through this Service is not intended to substitute for such consultations with your physician nor specific medical advice to your health condition.
By submitting your question to this Service, you agree to waive, release, and hold harmless the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and its affiliates or their past or present officers, directors, employees, agents, and Service volunteers (collectively referred to as "ASCLS") and the American Association  for Clinical Chemistry and its affiliates or their past or present officers, directors, employees, agents, and Service volunteers (collectively referred to as "AACC") from any legal claims, rights, or causes of action you may have in connection with the responses provided to the questions that you submit to the Service.
AACC, ASCLS and its Service volunteers disclaim any liability arising out of your use of this Service or for any adverse outcome from your use of the information provided by this Service for any reason, including but not limited to any misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the information provided through this Service.
 
See More See Less