The Pap test is recommended for all women between the ages of 21 and 65 years old. If you are 30 years old or older, you may choose to get a Pap test only, an HPV test only, or both tests together.

Does a Pap smear test for HPV?

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. It can also detect cervical cancer cells.

Do doctors always test for HPV during pap?

An HPV test is usually done at the same time as a Pap test — a test that collects cells from your cervix to check for abnormalities or the presence of cancer. An HPV test can be done using the same sample from the Pap test or by collecting a second sample from the cervical canal.