Criteria for HPV tests
According to the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF), women between ages 21 and 29 years should be screened for cervical cancer and cervical cytology every 3 years.
The task force also suggests that women between ages 30 and 65 years should get screened:
- Every 3 years with cervical cytology. No other test needs to be done within this period.
- Every 5 years with hrHPV testing. This test should include combination with cytology (co-testing)
- Every 5 years with high risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing alone
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), women should start undergoing cervical screening and HPV testing every 5 years from age 25 to age 65. If you don’t have access to primary HPV testing, the American Cancer Society recommends cytology alone every 3 years or screening in combination with co-testing every 5 years.
The right age to start cervical cancer screening is usually between ages 21 and 25. It is important to speak with your doctor to know when the right time is for you.
A Pap test does not have the ability to confirm the presence of HPV, but it can detect abnormal cells in the cervical region. These abnormal cells are usually a sign of HPV. When you get an abnormal HPV test result, it would help to see your healthcare provider to know if you need an HPV test.
Women between the ages of 21 and 29 may have to undergo a cytology test, if they have an abnormal Pap test. The cytology test involves observing the cells through a microscope. Your healthcare provider my recommend these screening methods, if you are between the ages of 30 and 65:
- Co-testing (HPV testing and cytology together)
- A cytology test
- an HPV test
Your healthcare provider may ask you to do the test again in 5 years if your results are normal.
If left untreated, HPV can disrupt the activities of the immune system and normal cells. Your doctor may recommend an HPV test to detect the presence of HPV early enough to prevent any health complications.