How effective is an HPV test for HPV infection?

The test looks for genetic material from selected HPV types, usually in a cervical sample. A positive result means the test found a type included in that test; it does not identify the date of infection, the source of infection or whether a partner has HPV.

A negative result means the tested sample did not show the targeted high-risk types at that time. HPV can be present outside the sampled area, and some HPV types are not included. A positive result also does not mean cancer is present.

Read the result with the recommended follow-up plan. Keep screening appointments even after a negative result. If the result is positive, ask when repeat testing, cervical assessment or another review is due. Use condoms or other barrier protection to reduce, though not eliminate, the chance of passing HPV.

There is no routine test that gives a complete status for HPV across the whole body. Do not use a result to assign blame or to infer recent sexual activity; HPV may remain quiet and become detectable later.

Arrange a clinical assessment for unusual bleeding, bleeding after sex, persistent pelvic pain, or a new genital growth. These symptoms can have causes other than HPV, and an HPV test is not designed to explain them.

Ask which HPV types the test detects, which body site was sampled, what a positive or negative result means for your screening schedule, and whether you need examination for symptoms. Ask whether vaccination remains useful for protection against types you have not encountered.