How do you read HPV test results?

What is a positive HPV test?

A positive HPV test means you do have an HPV type that may be linked to cervical cancer. This does not mean you have cervical cancer now. But it could be a warning. The specific HPV type may be identified to determine the next step.

What is the reference range for HPV?

HC-2 can detect as little as 1 pg/mL of target DNA (5000 genome copies per test). An RLU/CO ratio of 1.0 or more is considered positive. RLU/CO ratio less than 1.0 is considered negative or nondetected for the 13 HPV types tested.

What percent of HPV tests are positive?

It's up to 30 percent of people [who] are falsely positive." These false positive cases can lead to unnecessary, higher risk follow-up procedures, like biopsies. "That's a lot of women that are unnecessarily worried.

Is a negative HPV test good?

NIH study finds negative HPV screening test result is a better predictor of low cervical cancer risk than a negative Pap test. A drawing of HPV virus attacking cervical cancer cells.

What do my Pap test results mean and how can my partner and I know if we are infected with HPV?

Does a negative HPV test mean I don't have HPV?

A negative HPV test means you do not have an HPV type that's linked to cervical cancer. Your healthcare provider may tell you that you can wait five years for your next screening test. If you're sexually active, your provider may recommend you receive the HPV vaccine to protect yourself from HPV.

What does a normal Pap but positive HPV mean?

A positive test result means that you have a type of high-risk HPV that's linked to cervical cancer. It doesn't mean that you have cervical cancer now, but it's a warning sign that cervical cancer could develop in the future.

Do I need a colposcopy if I have HPV?

If you test positive for HPV 16/18, you will need to have a colposcopy. If you test positive for HPV (but did not have genotyping performed or had genotyping and tested negative for 16/18), you will likely have a colposcopy.

What is the next step after being diagnosed with HPV?

If you got a positive HPV test and your Pap test was abnormal, your doctor will probably follow up with a colposcopy. Try to see a physician who specializes in this procedure. During a colposcopy, your doctor will look more closely at the cervix, vagina or vulva with a special microscope called a colposcope.

Can you test positive for HPV then negative then positive again?

An HPV test will come back as a positive test result or a negative test result: Negative HPV test result: High-risk HPV was not found. You should have the test again in 5 years. You may need to come back sooner if you had abnormal results in the past.

What Does HPV genotype 16 negative mean?

A positive result indicates the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA due to 1 or more of the following genotypes: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68. A negative result indicates the absence of HPV DNA of the targeted genotypes.

What is high risk HPV?

Listen to pronunciation. (hy-risk …) A type of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cervical cancer and other types of cancer, such as cancers of the anus, vagina, vulva, penis, and oropharynx. Chronic infection with high-risk HPV can lead to cell changes that, if not treated, may become cancer.

What is the difference between HPV 16 and 18?

HPV 16 and HPV 18

HPV 16 is the most common high-risk type of HPV and usually doesn't result in any noticeable symptoms, even though it can bring about cervical changes. It causes 50 percent of cervical cancers worldwide. HPV 18 is another high-risk type of HPV.

Is HPV a STI or STD?

HPV is a very common STI. Among 15- to 59-year-olds, 2 in 5 (40%) people will have HPV. There are many different types of HPV; most do not cause any health problems. HPV is a different virus than HIV or (HSV) herpes.

How do I know if I have high risk HPV?

A Pap test involves checking the cells for precancerous changes. An HPV test looks for the DNA of the virus. A doctor may only order this test if a person likely has a high risk infection. The results of both a Pap test and an HPV test give the doctor a clearer impression of a person's cervical cancer risk.

How is HPV detected in females?

They will be able to diagnose it with an examination. For women, diagnosis of HPV often starts with abnormal results from a routine Pap test. When you have a Pap test (or “smear”), the doctor will take a sample of cells from your cervix. The sample is sent to a lab and looked at under a microscope.

Can you get rid of HPV once you have it?

There is currently no cure for an existing HPV infection, but for most people it would be cleared by their own immune system and there are treatments available for the symptoms it can cause. You can also get the HPV vaccine to protect yourself against new infections of HPV which can cause genital warts or cancer.

Is HPV serious for females?

HPV can cause cervical and other cancers, including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat (called oropharyngeal cancer). This can include the base of the tongue and tonsils. Cancer often takes years, even decades, to develop after a person gets HPV.

How long after contracting HPV will you test positive?

A: Changes consistent with HPV can usually be detected within 3-6 months after exposure to the infection.

How painful is a colposcopy biopsy?

A colposcopy is nearly pain-free. You might feel pressure when the speculum goes in. It might also sting or burn a little when they wash your cervix with the vinegar-like solution. If you get a biopsy, you might have some discomfort.

What happens if you have HPV for 3 years?

If you still have HPV after 3 years, you may need to have a colposcopy. You'll be asked to have a colposcopy. Information: HPV is a common virus and most people will get it at some point.

Is a colposcopy serious?

A colposcopy is a safe and quick procedure. However, some women find it uncomfortable and a few experience pain. Tell the doctor or nurse (colposcopist) if you find the procedure painful, as they will try to make you more comfortable. A colposcopy is a safe procedure to have during pregnancy.

How do you know HPV is cleared?

Most strains of HPV go away permanently without treatment. Because of this, it isn't uncommon to contract and clear the virus completely without ever knowing that you had it. HPV doesn't always cause symptoms, so the only way to be sure of your status is through regular testing. HPV screening for men isn't available.

How often should you get a Pap smear if you have HPV?

every 5 years with high-risk HPV testing alone. every 5 years with Pap and high-risk HPV cotesting. every 3 years with a Pap test alone.

How do you treat HPV positive?