What is being tested?
The HPV test is looking for evidence of infection by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a group of about 100 related viruses that cause skin warts and genital warts (also called condylomata). Common in young men and women, most HPV infections are short-lived and relatively benign. A few types of HPV (such as HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-31, and HPV-45), however, are considered high-risk. They do not usually cause visible warts, but they are persistent and have been linked to cervical, penile, anal, and other forms of cancer. Traditionally, HPV infection has been detected as abnormal cell changes on a Pap smear, a test used primarily to detect cancer of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus or womb) or conditions that may lead to cancer. During a Pap smear, the “normalness” of cervical cells is evaluated under a microscope. “Low-grade” changes to the cells on a Pap smear may indicate an HPV infection, but there is no clear distinction between high- and low-risk types.

A recently developed DNA test for HPV is gaining widespread acceptance as an additional cervical cancer screening tool and as a follow-up test to abnormal changes on a Pap smear. It uses the same cervical sample as the Pap smear to detect and confirm the presence of high-risk types of HPV; it tests for the 13 most common types of high-risk HPV but does not distinguish between them. If there is a need, further DNA testing can be done by another method to determine exactly which type(s) of HPV are present, although this is not frequently done.

How is the sample collected for testing?
A sampling of cells is taken from the cervical area in females during a pelvic examination using a type of wooden "spatula," swab, or brush and, if HPV DNA testing is to be performed, placed into a special liquid preservative. HPV tests may also be ordered on male subjects. An anal swab or brush specimen is used for testing.