Back to the information about HPV
What is the HPV test?
Recommendation for women
Description
The HPV test is an important part of cancer screening to determine whether a woman is infected with HPV and therefore has an increased risk of cervical cancer. However, the test itself does not recognise any cell changes, which is why further examinations may be necessary if the HPV test results are abnormal.
Recommended age and frequency
In the UK, cervical screening is offered to anyone with a cervic from age 25 to 64. If you are registered with a general practitioner, you get an invite every 3 to 5 years depending on where you live and your age.
Procedure
As with the Pap test, cell samples are taken from the cervix for the HPV test and analysed for viral genetic material in the laboratory, often using a PCR test.
Test result
A positive HPV test indicates that a clinically relevant HPV infection is present, which increases the risk of tissue changes. However, it is not a cancer diagnosis. If the Pap and HPV tests are abnormal, a colposcopy (vaginal examination) is usually performed.
Costs
Cervical screening is free for anyone with a cervix from age 25 to 64. There is no comparable targeted screening for other HPV-related tumours as part of statutory cancer screening.
Recommendations for men with an HPV-positive partner
- At present there is no reliable HPV test for men in the UK.
- However, men with an HPV-infected partner can be examined by a doctor: for visible changes in the genital or anal area and for suspicious changes in the mouth.