HPV Test (Human Papillomavirus Test)
A laboratory test in which cells are tested for DNA or RNA from certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that are known to cause cervical cancer. These high-risk types of HPV can also cause other types of cancer.
About the HPV Test
After certain positive Pap test results, an HPV test may be done.
An HPV test is a laboratory test that is used to check DNA or RNA for certain types of HPV infection. Cells are collected from the cervix and DNA or RNA from the cells is checked to find out if there is an infection caused by a type of human papillomavirus that is linked to cervical cancer. This test may be done using the sample of cells removed during a Pap test. This test may also be done if the results of a Pap test show certain abnormal cervical cells. When both the HPV test and Pap test are done using cells from the sample removed during a Pap test, it is called a Pap/HPV cotest.
An HPV test may be done with or without a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer.
Screening women aged 30 and older with both the Pap test and the HPV test every 5 years finds more cervical changes that can lead to cancer than screening with the Pap test alone. Screening with both the Pap test and the HPV test lowers the number of cases of cervical cancer.
An HPV DNA test may be used without a Pap test for cervical cancer screening in women aged 25 years and older. NIH – National Cancer Institute