Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test

British Columbia Specific Information

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). HPV can cause genital warts and cancers of the anus, cervix, mouth and throat, penis, vagina, and vulva. The HPV vaccines protect against infection from certain types of HPV, however, they do not get rid of the infection once it has occurred.

Health Canada has approved 2 HPV vaccines:

Cervarix® (HPV2)
Gardasil®9 (HPV9)

To determine if you are eligible to receive the free vaccine, see HealthLinkBC File #101b Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines, visit ImmunizeBC – HPV (Human Papillomavirus), or speak with a public health nurse at your local public health unit. Those not eligible for the free HPV vaccine can purchase it at most pharmacies and travel clinics and at some sexual health clinics.

To learn more about HPV infection, see HealthLinkBC File #101a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection and Genital Warts. For more information on STIs, sexual health information, where to get tested and other sexual health services in your area, visit SmartSexResource.

Test Overview

A human papillomavirus (HPV) test is done to check for a high-risk HPV infection. Like a Pap test, an HPV test is done on a sample of cells collected from the cervix. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). An HPV test checks for the genetic material (DNA) of the human papillomavirus.

This test is used to show whether a high-risk type of HPV is present. High-risk types of HPV cause changes in the cells of the cervix that can be seen as abnormal changes on a Pap test. Abnormal cervical cell changes may get better on their own without treatment. But some cervical cell changes can progress to serious problems. They may lead to cervical cancer over time if they're not treated.

There are many types of HPV. Some low-risk types cause common skin warts. Some cause genital warts. These may be diagnosed during a physical examination. Other types don't cause any symptoms. Most people don't know they have an HPV infection.

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STI Testing: Should I Get Tested for a Sexually Transmitted Infection?

Why It Is Done

An HPV test is done to check for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). High-risk types of HPV are linked to precancerous cervical cell changes and cervical cancer. If an HPV test shows that high-risk types of HPV are present, more testing (such as a colposcopy or cervical biopsy) may be recommended.

A Pap test or an HPV test can be used to screen for cervical cancer. An HPV test may be done at the same time as a Pap test or by itself. The results of an HPV test can help doctors decide if further tests or treatments are needed.

Learn more

STI Testing: Should I Get Tested for a Sexually Transmitted Infection?

How To Prepare

You may be asked to empty your bladder just before the test, both for your own comfort and to help with the examination.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean.

How It Is Done

For this test, you need to remove your clothes below the waist and drape a paper or cloth covering around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an examination table with your knees bent and legs and feet supported by footrests. This allows your doctor to examine your vagina and genital area.

Your health professional will place an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum opens the vagina a little bit, allowing the inside of the vagina and the cervix to be examined.

Your health professional will then use a cotton swab or a small brush to collect several samples of cells from the cervix. Cells are collected from the visible part of the cervix as well as cells from inside the opening of the cervix (endocervical canal). The samples are then placed in collection tubes and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

How It Feels

You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort when the speculum is placed in your vagina. You may also feel some pressure when the sample of cervical cells is being collected.

Risks

There is very little chance of a problem from an HPV test. You may worry or feel frightened if you need more testing.

Results

Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Normal:	High-risk HPV is not found.
Abnormal:	High-risk HPV is found. If high-risk HPV is found, you may have a higher chance of having precancerous cervical cell changes. Further testing—including repeat Pap or HPV tests, colposcopy, or cervical biopsy—may be recommended by your doctor, depending on your medical history and the results of this 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.