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Understanding Your HPV Test Results

Your HPV self-sampling test is designed to detect high-risk HPV.

Once your sample has been processed, your result will be securely provided through the online patient portal.

Understanding your result can help you know what it means and what steps may come next.

From Your Sample to Your Result

Once your sample is returned, it goes through the laboratory testing process before your result is made available.

Your Sample Is Tested

Your sample is processed and tested for high-risk HPV, and any additionally selected STDs using the laboratory's approved testing method.

Your Result Is Released

Once testing is complete, your result is securely released through the online patient portal.

Review Your Result

Log in to your patient portal to view your result and information about what it means.

Keep your login information private and secure.

What Does My Result Mean?

Your result will generally fall into one of the following categories.

HPV NOT DETECTED

High-risk HPV was not detected in your sample.

This means that the high-risk HPV types included in the test were not detected in your sample.

This is reassuring, but it does not mean that you should stop cervical cancer screening.

Continue cervical cancer screening according to the recommendations provided by your doctor or local screening program.


HPV DETECTED

High-risk HPV was detected in your sample.

This does not mean that you have cervical cancer.

A high-risk HPV result means that follow-up may be needed to determine whether there are any cervical cell changes.

RESULT COULD NOT BE REPORTED

Your result could not be successfully reported.

Sometimes a sample cannot be processed, or a valid result cannot be reported.

If this happens, don’t worry. You will receive information about what to do next.

This may include providing another sample.

What Happens If HPV Is Detected?

A high-risk HPV result does not mean you have cancer.

It means that high-risk HPV was detected and that follow-up may be needed to determine whether any cervical cell changes are present.

The exact follow-up pathway can vary depending on:

  • The HPV test result
  • Available triage testing
  • Screening history
  • Clinical guidelines

An HPV Detected Result Does Not Mean...

You Have Cervical Cancer

An HPV screening result does not diagnose cervical cancer. Additional evaluation is needed to determine whether cervical cell changes are present.

You Will Definitely Develop Cancer

Most HPV infections do not lead to cancer. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause cell changes that may eventually lead to cancer if not identified and managed.

You Know When You Got HPV

An HPV infection can become detectable long after the initial infection, so a positive result cannot tell you exactly when you acquired HPV.

You Know Who You Got HPV From

HPV is common and can be shared between partners. In many cases, it is not possible to determine when or from whom an HPV infection was acquired.

Someone Has Been Unfaithful

An HPV result cannot tell you when the infection was acquired or identify who transmitted it.

HPV NOT DETECTED –
What Does That Mean?

If your result says HPV NOT DETECTED, the test did not find the high-risk HPV types included in the test.

This is reassuring, but it does not mean that you should stop cervical cancer screening.

Continue screening according to the recommendations provided by your doctor or local screening program.

Sometimes a Result
Cannot Be Reported

Occasionally, a sample cannot be successfully processed or a valid result cannot be produced.

If this happens, don't worry. You will receive information about what to do next. Depending on the reason, you may be asked to provide another sample.

Contact Your Doctor

An HPV Test Is a
Screening Test

HPV self-sampling is designed to help identify high-risk HPV associated with cervical cancer.

It is a screening test –
not a diagnosis of cancer.

If high-risk HPV is detected, additional evaluation may be recommended to determine whether cervical cell changes are present.

HPV DETECTED does not mean CANCER.

Have Symptoms?
Don't Wait for Screening.

Cervical screening is important even when you feel healthy, but screening should not be used to investigate symptoms.

Speak with your doctor if you experience:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Bleeding after sex
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Pelvic pain
  • Other unusual or concerning symptoms
Do not wait for your next screening test if you have symptoms that concern you.

Your Results Are Private

Your HPV test result is personal health information. Your result will be provided through the online patient portal and should only be accessed by you and authorized healthcare professionals in accordance with applicable privacy and security requirements.

Learn More About Privacy

You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone

If you have questions about your result or what to do next, speak with your doctor or a specialist.

Continue Learning

About HPV

Learn about HPV, cervical cancer, vaccination, prevention, and screening.

Learn About HPV

How It Works

Review the self-sampling process from getting your kit to receiving your result.

See How It Works

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about HPV and self-sampling.

View FAQs

Know Your Result.
Know Your Next Step.

Understanding your HPV result is an important part of taking care of your cervical health.