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Is a HPV test and Pap smear the same?
The HPV test checks cells for infection with high-risk HPV types. The Pap test (also called a Pap smear or cervical cytology) collects cervical cells and looks at them for changes caused by HPV that may—if left untreated—turn into cervical cancer.
How accurate are Pap smears for HPV?
Reports show that approximately one to ten percent of all Pap tests result in false positives. While the newer liquid-based sample collection is much more accurate than the old method of collecting Pap smears, they still far from perfect.
Can a Pap smear be wrong about HPV?
A false-positive test result indicates that you have a high-risk type of HPV when you really don’t. A false-positive result could lead to unnecessary follow-up procedures, such as colposcopy or biopsy, and undue anxiety over the test results. False-negative.
What does it mean to have a normal Pap smear but test positive for HPV?
If a patient has a normal pap smear that tests positive for high risk HPV, we can then specifically check for 2 types of high risk HPV that are most associated with precancerous cervical changes, types 16 and 18.
What is the most accurate HPV test?
Best for Quick Results iDNA HPV Test Plus, you can worry less about your results with its 99.9\% accuracy. The test looks at 14 high-risk HPV types and is conducted in a single lab. The testing process takes no more than five minutes; after you finish the test, ship it to a doctor-certified lab for testing.
What is the false positive rate for HPV?
It’s up to 30 percent of people [who] are falsely positive.” These false positive cases can lead to unnecessary, higher risk follow-up procedures, like biopsies.
Do I have to tell my partner I have HPV?
Do I need to tell my partner? This is entirely your decision. Most men and women with HPV infection carry the infection without ever being aware of it. HPV infection does not need to be treated and in 95\% cases, you would get rid of it through your immunity.
Will I have HPV for life?
Once I have HPV, do I have it forever? Most HPV infections in young men and women are transient, lasting no more than one or two years. Usually, the body clears the infection on its own. It is estimated that the infection will persist in only about 1\% of women.