What Does the HPV Test Do?

Human Papillomavirus, mostly effects women, but some women may not even know that they have it. Therefore, it is recomended that women who are over the age of 18 be tested yearly to see whether they have HPV. This test is done through a Pap smear. Here, cervical cells are observed microscopically. If the result of a Pap smear is positive, DNA tests determine the what level of HPV a woman has. However, DNA tests should, for the most part, not be used in woman who are under the age of 30 years old. A DNA test is needed if the Pap smear test comes out positive, but if the DNA test is negative, additional testing is necessary. The DNA test only indicates the specific risk associated with the level of HPV one has.

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