Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test: What To Think About

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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 age 30 and older. 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. But 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.
• In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a vaccine (Gardasil) that protects against four types of HPV, which together cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. Three shots are given over 6 months. Gardasil is recommended for girls 11 to 12 years old. The immunization is also recommended for females 13 to 26 years old who did not receive it when they were younger. It can be given to girls as young as 9 years old. Clinical studies showed that the vaccine is safe and works well to prevent genital warts and cervical cancer.

Last updated:	July 02, 2008
Author:	Sandy Jocoy, RN
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC