Safeguarding Women’s Health: The Importance of HPV Testing

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and is linked to various cancers, especially cervical cancer. In Hong Kong, cervical cancer is prevalent among women, with nearly all cases caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV (hr-HPV) strains, primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic, and some may resolve naturally. However, persistent infections can lead to abnormal cervical cell growth, progressing to precancerous lesions and eventually cancer. Regular HPV testing is a crucial step in preventing cervical cancer.

Understanding HPV Risks

HPV is a virus spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or sexual activity. Over 200 types/subtypes of HPV exist, with roughly 40 affecting the genital area. HPV can be categorised into:

High-risk HPV: Associated with cancers, such as cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, penile cancer, and anal cancer

Low-risk HPV: Generally non-cancerous but can cause cauliflower-like genital warts

What is HPV Testing?

HPV testing involves collecting cells or tissue from suspected infection sites for viral DNA analysis to detect high-risk HPV types. In 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended HPV testing as the first-choice cervical cancer screening method.

HPV Testing Technology

FDA-approved HPV testing methods are now widely used for screening cervical cancer. HPV tests can detect 14 high-risk HPV types linked to cervical cancer, including HPV-16, 18 (most common), 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68.

HPV Testing Sample Collection Areas

Samples for HPV testing can be taken from various sites:

Vaginal swabs: For cervical screening in women
Penile swabs: For detecting HPV in men
Anal swabs: To check for anal HPV infections
Oral swabs: To detect oral HPV infections

Procedure for HPV Testing

The process for HPV testing in women is similar to a Pap smear and is usually done at the same time (also called a cervical smear):

A healthcare professional inserts a speculum into the vagina.
A soft brush is used to collect cell samples from the cervix and adjacent areas.
The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Interpreting HPV Test Results

Positive Result

A positive test indicates the presence of high-risk HPV, suggesting a higher risk of cervical cancer. However, it does not confirm that you have cervical cancer.

Negative Result

A negative test means no high-risk HPV was detected. If you haven’t received the HPV vaccine, consider vaccination to prevent most high-risk HPV infections.

HPV Testing vs Pap Smear

	HPV Testing	Pap Smear
Who It’s For	Women aged 30+ who are sexually active	Women aged 25–64 who are sexually active Women aged 21–24 at higher cervical cancer risk
Purpose	Detect high-risk HPV	Detect early abnormal cervical cell changes, including precancerous lesions
Follow-up recommendations	Positive: Follow doctor’s advice for further examination or retesting at the recommended interval. Negative: Screen every 5 years.	Positive: Depending on the degree of cellular abnormality, undergo colposcopy or attend a follow-up at the advised time. Negative: If results are negative for two consecutive years, screen every 3 years thereafter. Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS): HPV testing is recommended.

HPV Testing + Pap Smear co-testing: Double protection for Women’s Health

Co-testing enhances the screening sensitivity by detecting cervical cell abnormalities and the presence of high-risk HPV simultaneously, offering a more effective cervical cancer risk assessment. Detecting and treating precancerous lesions early can prevent progression to cancer.

In Hong Kong, co-testing has been included in the cervical cancer prevention and screening guidelines by the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (HKCOG) since 2016. It is also one of the screening methods recommended by Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening (CEWG) of the Centre for Health Protection.

Cervical Cancer Screening Methods in Hong Kong

HPV testing combined with pap smear
HPV testing alone
Pap smear testing alone

Frequently asked questions

1. Do women who have received the HPV vaccine still need cervical screening?

Yes. The HPV vaccine does not protect against all HPV types and cannot eliminate existing infections. Women should continue regular cervical screenings as recommended.

2. Does STD/STI testing detect HPV?

No. Most routine STD tests check for infections via blood or body fluids, while HPV testing requires examining cervical cells for viral DNA.

3. Who should undergo cervical screening?

Women aged 25–64 who have been sexually active, regardless of marital status, vaccination history, menopause, or sterilisation, should have regular screenings. Women who began sexual activity at an earlier age should consult their family doctor to see if earlier screening is recommended.

Regular HPV Testing for Peace of Mind

HPV testing is a key tool in cervical cancer screening, offering more accurate and reliable results. Women of screening age are encouraged to undergo regular HPV testing to detect and manage high-risk HPV infections early.

OT&P Healthcare is dedicated to offering personalised screening solutions for every woman. Contact us to schedule your HPV testing consultation today.

References

Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, (2025) About Genital HPV Infection. Retrieved 24 September 2025 from https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-genital-hpv-infection.html#cdc_disease_basics_testing_screening-testing-and-diagnosis
The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong, (n.d.) CERVICAL SCREENING AND HPV VACCINE. Retrieved 24 September 2025 from https://www.famplan.org.hk/en/health-info/common-gynaecological-diseases/cervical-screening-and-hpv-vaccine
NHS, (2022) Human papillomavirus (HPV). Retrieved 24 September 2025 from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/human-papilloma-virus-hpv/
Cleveland Clinic, (2023) HPV Test. Retrieved 24 September 2025 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22163-human-papillomavirus-hpv-test
Family Health Service, (2023) What are Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine? Retrieved 24 September 2025 from https://www.fhs.gov.hk/english/health_info/faq/women_health/WH2_5_2.html
Giovannelli, L., Migliore, M.C., Capra, G., Caleca, M.P., Bellavia, C., Perino, A., Viviano, E., Matranga, D. and Ammatuna, P. (2007). Penile, Urethral, and Seminal Sampling for Diagnosis of Human Papillomavirus Infection in Men. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 45(1), pp.248–251. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01576-06.
American Cancer Society, (2025) HPV Testing. Retrieved 24 September 2025 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/hpv/hpv-and-hpv-testing.html
Office on Women’s Health, (2021) Pap and HPV tests. Retrieved 24 September 2025 from https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/pap-hpv-tests