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Evidence-led screening guide

HPV Test

HPV testing checks a cervical screening sample for high-risk types of human papillomavirus. Finding high-risk HPV does not mean that you have cervical cancer, but it helps the screening programme decide whether any further checks are needed.

Read current NHS cervical screening result guidance (external link, opens in a new tab)Read Our Guide
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Quick guide

HPV Test at a Glance

What HPV stands for
Human papillomavirus.
What the test checks for
High-risk HPV types that can cause cervical cell changes. It does not diagnose cervical cancer.
How it is used
In England, the cervical screening sample is tested for high-risk HPV first.
How the sample is collected
A nurse or doctor uses a soft brush to collect cells from the cervix during cervical screening.
What an HPV-positive result means
High-risk HPV was found. The next step depends on whether abnormal cervical cells are also found and on previous results.
What the result cannot tell you
It cannot show when HPV was acquired or from whom, and it does not mean that you have cancer.

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2. What Is HPV?

HPV is a group of common viruses. It is passed through close skin-to-skin sexual contact and usually causes no symptoms. Most HPV infections are cleared by the immune system without causing problems.

Some HPV types are called high-risk because, if they persist, they can cause changes to cells that may develop into cancer. In cervical screening, the test looks for high-risk HPV types linked to cervical cell changes. Having high-risk HPV is not the same as having cervical cancer.

HPV can remain in the body for years without being detected or causing problems. A later positive result cannot establish when the infection was acquired.

3. What Is an HPV Test?

An HPV test checks a sample of cervical cells for high-risk HPV. There is no blood test for HPV used in cervical screening. The laboratory result helps identify who is at very low risk and who may need the sample checked for abnormal cells or further follow-up.

Cervical screening used to be widely called a smear test. In the current England pathway, high-risk HPV testing is the first laboratory test performed on the cervical sample.

4. Why HPV Testing Is Used in Cervical Screening

Persistent high-risk HPV causes most cervical cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer. Testing for high-risk HPV first helps the programme identify people who may benefit from closer checks while allowing people with an HPV-negative result to return to routine recall.

Cervical screening is a prevention programme for eligible people without symptoms. It is not a diagnostic test for cervical cancer and does not check for ovarian, womb, vulval, vaginal or every other gynaecological cancer.

Read how HPV testing fits into the NHS Cervical Screening guide.

5. How the Sample Is Collected

During a standard cervical screening appointment, a nurse or doctor gently inserts a speculum so they can see the cervix. They use a soft brush to collect a small sample of cells, which is sent to a laboratory for HPV testing.

You are in control of the appointment. You can ask questions, request adjustments, ask for a smaller speculum where appropriate, pause or stop. Follow the instructions from the service offering your test because arrangements can differ across the UK.

6. What Your Result May Mean

High-Risk HPV Not Found

No high-risk HPV was detected in the sample. Your risk of developing cervical cancer before the next routine screen is very low. Your result will say when you should next be invited.

High-Risk HPV Found, No Abnormal Cells

High-risk HPV was detected, but no abnormal cervical cell changes were found. The screening programme will invite you for follow-up at the interval stated in your result.

High-Risk HPV Found and Abnormal Cells

High-risk HPV and abnormal cervical cells were found. You will usually be referred for colposcopy so the cervix can be examined more closely. This result is not a cancer diagnosis.

Unclear or Inadequate Result

Sometimes the laboratory cannot produce a reliable result and another cervical sample is needed. This does not mean that something is wrong.

7. Benefits of HPV Testing

  • It identifies the high-risk HPV types that can cause cervical cell changes.
  • An HPV-negative result identifies people at very low risk before their next routine screen.
  • When high-risk HPV is found, the sample can be checked for abnormal cells so follow-up is directed to those who may benefit.
  • Finding and treating significant cervical cell changes can prevent cervical cancer.

8. Limitations and Possible Harms

  • No screening test is perfect: HPV or cell changes may occasionally be missed, and future infection or changes can still occur.
  • A positive result can cause anxiety: even though it does not mean cancer and cannot date the infection.
  • Follow-up can involve further procedures: repeat screening, colposcopy or biopsy may be recommended, and these have their own discomforts and risks.
  • The test has a specific purpose: it does not assess symptoms or screen for every gynaecological cancer.

9. HPV, Relationships and Stigma

HPV is common and can be acquired after limited sexual contact. It may remain undetected for many years or become detectable again after a long period. A positive result cannot show when HPV was acquired, who it came from or whether a partner has been unfaithful.

HPV is a health issue, not a judgement about a person or relationship. Partners do not usually need an HPV test because there is no routine general HPV test for partners without a cervix. Use NHS or sexual-health advice if you have questions about symptoms, genital warts or vaccination.

10. Common Myths About HPV

“High-Risk HPV Means I Have Cervical Cancer.”

No. It means a virus linked to cervical cell changes was found. Your result explains whether abnormal cells were also found and what follow-up is needed.

“A Positive Result Proves Recent Infidelity.”

No. HPV can remain undetected for years, and a test cannot establish when or from whom it was acquired.

“The HPV Vaccine Means Screening Is No Longer Needed.”

No. Vaccination protects against important HPV types but not every type linked to cervical cancer. Attend cervical screening when eligible.

“Cervical Screening Checks for Every Gynaecological Cancer.”

No. It is designed to help prevent cervical cancer. Symptoms or concerns need clinical assessment.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Does HPV mean I have cancer?
No. HPV is common, and finding a high-risk type does not mean that you have cervical cancer. Your cervical screening result explains whether abnormal cells were found and whether any follow-up is needed.
Does an HPV-positive result mean my partner has been unfaithful?
No. HPV can remain in the body or become detectable after many years. A positive result cannot show when HPV was acquired or from whom, and it does not establish infidelity.
Can HPV remain undetected for years?
Yes. HPV may be present for a long time without causing symptoms, and it can become detectable after a period when it was not detected. A result cannot reliably date the infection.
Can HPV clear on its own?
Yes. The immune system clears most HPV infections without treatment. Follow the screening advice in your result because persistent high-risk HPV may need closer checks.
Is an HPV test the same as a smear test?
Cervical screening used to be called a smear test. In the current England pathway, a cervical sample is tested first for high-risk HPV. If high-risk HPV is found, the same sample is checked for abnormal cervical cells.
Does the HPV vaccine mean I no longer need cervical screening?
No. The vaccine does not protect against every high-risk HPV type. If you are eligible for cervical screening, the NHS advises taking part even if you have been vaccinated.
What happens if high-risk HPV is found?
The next step depends on whether abnormal cervical cells are also found and on your previous results. You may be invited for another screening test or referred for colposcopy. Follow the instructions in your result.
What if I have symptoms?
Contact your GP rather than waiting for routine cervical screening. Cervical screening is for people without symptoms and does not check for every gynaecological cancer.

12. Evidence and References

These current primary sources describe HPV, England's cervical screening pathway and the meaning of screening results.

13. Official NHS Resources

Use these official sources for current results, pathway information and support. Screening arrangements differ across UK nations.

For prevention and current eligibility information, read the HPV Vaccination guide.

14. How BloomShield Helps

Clear, stigma-reducing information can support informed screening decisions and more equitable access to follow-up.

ScreenAccess™

identifies and helps address practical, social and service barriers to screening access.

ScreenConnect™

supports navigation, coordination and continuity across screening and care pathways.

Work with BloomShield to improve screening access