Human papillomavirus (HPV) test results
Most people’s screening results will be normal, meaning human papillomavirus (HPV) was not found. You will not need to screen for another 5 years.
If your test finds HPV, it does not mean you have cervical cancer.
Types of lab results
This means that HPV was not found. You will not need to have another screening test for 5 years (or in 3 years if you are immune deficient).
If HPV types 16 or 18 are found, you will be referred for colposcopy to check for cell changes.
Most people who have HPV 16 or 18 will not have any cell changes, but it is important to check.
This examination is done by a specialist colposcopist, who uses a microscope to magnify and sometimes take samples from your cervix.
If your first test was using a swab, and one of the ‘Other’ types of HPV is found, you are usually asked to go back to your healthcare provider for an examination. If you choose to have a sample taken from your cervix for the first test, then if HPV 'Other' type is found, the laboratory will use the same sample to go ahead and look for cell changes too — you do not need to go back.
Depending on the result, you may be referred to colposcopy.
Very rarely, a sample cannot be used for testing. You will be told if your test is unusable so you can repeat it. For example, a heavy period could cause contamination of a sample.
If the result is reported as unsuitable for analysis, this will most likely be due to the sample leaking. Make sure the lid of your new sample is on tightly.
Cervical sample cytology results
If you had a cervical sample taken, the sample is sent to a lab to check for cell changes. This is called cytology screening. The laboratory results can be more complex.
Types of cytology results
This means that no cell changes were detected. Future follow-up will be according to your screening history.
This means the test could not be read at the laboratory because there were not enough cells in the sample, or blood or mucus hid most of the cells.
You will need to have another test within 3 months.
Occasionally your test result may show that inflammation or infection is present. Discuss this result with your doctor or nurse.
Often no treatment is required.
This means it is difficult to be sure whether cell changes are starting to develop. Mild atypical changes (called ASC-US or atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) often clear up before your next test.
This means cells are beginning to show some mild changes. LSIL (or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions) are due to an HPV infection. These usually clear up on their own — so your next screening test may be normal.
If your next test is not normal, you may be referred for colposcopy. This will depend on your age and how many times HPV has been detected in your screens.
Your healthcare provider will discuss this with you and confirm if you need to have another screening test in one year or be referred to a specialist.
High-grade changes are cell changes that are more developed. They are called high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL).
This does not mean cancer, but you will need a colposcopy to check. Cell changes can usually be successfully treated.
Although the cervical smear test is not designed to detect glandular cell changes, such changes are sometimes found. You will be referred for colposcopy, and it is important for you to go to your appointment.
If your smear test shows any changes suggestive of cervical cancer, you will be referred to a specialist within one week. The sooner this is treated, the better the chances of success. It is important for you to go to your appointment.
Follow-up and treatment
The body usually clears HPV by itself.
The next tests or treatment you need depend on how your sample was taken (a swab or cervical cell sample) and the type of HPV found. You may be recommended to have:
- a cervical cell sample taken (smear test) to look for any cell changes, or
- colposcopy to see if any treatment is needed.
Your health provider will explain why you need any follow-up procedures and what they will involve.
Find out about the types of treatment options.
Treatment
Colposcopy and results
If you have some types of changes to your cervical cells you may be referred for colposcopy.
Find out more about the procedure.
Colposcopy
Most abnormal results from colposcopy will not be cancer. Some need to be followed up to make sure they resolve on their own, and some need treatment.
Abnormal results that may need to be treated are:
- cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) — abnormal cervical cell changes, either moderate cell changes (CIN2) or severe cell changes (CIN3)
- glandular cell changes, including adenocarcinoma-in-situ (AIS).
Treatment based on results
If your results confirm the presence of abnormal cells that are of concern, your healthcare provider will discuss treatment options with you.