US Medical Term · tests
HPV Test (Human Papillomavirus Test)
Prueba de VPH (virus del papiloma humano)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | HPV Test (Human Papillomavirus Test) |
| Spanish (Español) | Prueba de VPH (virus del papiloma humano) |
| Chinese (中文) | 人類乳突病毒檢測 |
| Korean (한국어) | HPV 검사 (인유두종바이러스) |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Xét nghiệm HPV (virus u nhú người) |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | HPV Test |
| Portuguese (Português) | Teste de HPV (papilomavírus humano) |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การตรวจ HPV |
| Japanese (日本語) | HPV検査（ヒトパピローマウイルス） |
What it means
The HPV test detects the presence of human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted virus that can infect the cervix and increase the risk of cervical cancer. High-risk HPV strains (especially HPV 16 and 18) are responsible for most cervical cancers. The test uses a sample collected the same way as a Pap smear — a clinician uses a small brush to swab cells from the cervix during a pelvic exam. The HPV test is often done at the same time as a Pap smear (co-testing). Women aged 30–65 can do co-testing every five years. A positive HPV test does not mean you have cancer, but it signals a need for closer follow-up.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
Is the HPV test done at the same time as my Pap smear, or is it a separate appointment?
¿La prueba de VPH se hace al mismo tiempo que el Papanicolaou o es una cita separada?
My HPV test came back positive for a high-risk strain — what happens next?
Mi prueba de VPH salió positiva para un tipo de alto riesgo — ¿qué pasa ahora?
If I got the HPV vaccine, do I still need to get the HPV test?
Si me vacuné contra el VPH, ¿aún necesito hacerme la prueba de VPH?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026