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.
In most cases HPV clears up by itself. When it doesn’t, or if the type of HPV found is more likely to cause cell changes than the other types, you will be referred for further checks to look for any cell changes. This does not mean you have cancer, and even if cell changes are found it does not mean you will need treatment. But by monitoring the changes, if treatment is needed it can be given early before cancer develops. So, it’s important to go to any recommended appointments.
Types of lab results
HPV not detected
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).
HPV 16 or HPV 18
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. These are the types that are more likely to cause cell changes than the other HPV types.
This examination is done by a specialist colposcopist, who uses a microscope to magnify and sometimes take samples from your cervix.
HPV Other (type / number may be stated)
If you choose to have the first test 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 and a second test for cytology. If you choose to have a cervical sample (taken directly from your cervix) for the first test, then if an 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 to have a second sample taken.
Depending on the result, you may be referred to colposcopy.
Invalid or unsuitable for analysis
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 very heavy period could cause contamination of a sample.
If the result is reported as unsuitable for analysis, this will be because the sample was leaking when it got to the lab. Make sure the lid of your new sample is on tightly.
Cervical sample cytology results
If you had a cervical sample taken and HPV was found, the sample can also be checked for cell changes. This check for cell changes is called cytology screening. The laboratory results are more complex when cytology is reported.
If cell changes are found, or if you are referred to colposcopy, this does not mean you have cancer.
Even if cell changes are found, this does not mean you have cancer and most cell changes do not need treatment. But if there are any concerning changes, these can be found and treated early to prevent cancer developing.
Types of cytology results
Negative (normal) cytology results
This means that no cell changes were detected. Future follow-up will be according to your screening history.
Unsatisfactory cytology results
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 for cytology within 3 months.
Inflammation or infection
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.
Atypical changes
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.
Mild (low-grade) changes (LSIL)
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 health provider will discuss this with you and confirm if you need to have another screening test in 1 year or be referred to a specialist.
Moderate to severe (high-grade) changes (HSIL)
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.
Glandular cell changes including adenocarcinoma-in-situ (AIS)
Although cervical screening is not designed to detect glandular cell changes, such changes are sometimes found. If this happens, you will be referred for colposcopy, and it is important for you to go to your appointment. This does not mean you have cancer, but it is important to check so that if any treatment is needed, this can be provided.
Cancer
If your cervical screening test shows any changes suggestive of cervical cancer, you will be referred to a specialist as quickly as possible. The sooner this is treated, the better the chances of success. It's 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 (previously called a 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.
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.
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:
- high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia — abnormal cervical cell changes that are either moderate cell changes (CIN2), severe cell changes (CIN3), or both
- 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.