Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Test

What To Think About

• A human papillomavirus (HPV) test is not routinely used to diagnose genital warts. It is usually done to find out whether an abnormal Pap test result may be caused by one or more high-risk types of HPV. For more information, see the topic Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus).
• An HPV test may be done along with a Pap test in women. It may be done as a follow-up test after treatment for an abnormal Pap test. For more information, see the topic Abnormal Pap Test.
• A positive HPV test does not mean that you have cervical cancer. It may mean that you are infected with one or more high-risk types of HPV, which increases your chance of having precancerous cervical cell changes. Your doctor may recommend repeat testing or further testing, such as a colposcopy and cervical biopsy, to find out whether precancerous changes are present. The type of testing recommended will depend on your medical history and the findings of the HPV test. For more information, see the medical test Colposcopy and Cervical Biopsy.
• An HPV test is highly reliable for finding HPV when it is present. However, an HPV test may come back positive when you do not have an HPV infection. This is called a false-positive test result.
• An HPV test is done only for women. Currently, an HPV test for men is done only in a research setting.
• Health Canada recently approved a vaccine (Gardasil) that blocks four types of HPV: two that cause genital warts and two that cause cervical cancer. The vaccine is given in three shots over 6 months. Gardasil was approved for females 9 to 26 years old. Clinical studies showed that the vaccine is safe and works well to prevent genital warts and cervical cancer. Check with your doctor to learn if the HPV vaccine is available in your area.

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Author:	Carrie Henley Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: October 6, 2006
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
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