What Is HPV Testing?

HPV testing screens for the virus that causes cervical cancer.

Types of Testing

• Pap smear: examines cervical cells for abnormalities
• HPV DNA test: detects high-risk HPV strains
• Co-testing: Pap + HPV DNA together (preferred for 30–65)

Screening Guidelines

• 21–29: Pap every 3 years
• 30–65: Pap + HPV co-testing every 5 years, or Pap alone every 3 years
• Above 65: stop if adequate prior screening

Results

• Normal: continue routine screening
• ASC-US + HPV positive: colposcopy
• HSIL: colposcopy + possible treatment
• HPV positive but normal Pap: repeat in 1 year