cervical smear test and hpv test

[blackmonday]

I am on a routine annual smear programme as have had CIN III and CIN 1 in the past. Have had clear smears every year since 2003. Went for one yesterday and the nurse said they were going to test whether or not I had the HPV virus as well as the normal smear test. I am wondering has anyone else had this? really get freaked out over smear results and don't really know the implications if smear comes back clear and HPV is positive or the other way round?? help!

The HPV test will test to see whether you have certain strains of HPV. The same strains that the vaccine is against.

It helps the doc's risk stratisfy if you have a positive smear. This is a little technical but may answer some of your questions.

I've had a positive Pap in the past and know just how frightening it is to wait for your smear results.

Good luck

Sorry - that should read 'some of which are covered by the new vaccine'

thanks for that. am i only being offered it because i have had abnormal results in the past or are they testing everyone now?

TBH I'm not sure of the policy in the UK, but I would imagine that they only test those with previous positive results as the test themselves are pretty pricey.

thanks. has anyone else had the hpv test? just wondering what they will do if positive result?

I guess if you get a negative result, there's a possibility they will take you off annual recall. If you get a positive result for high risk HPV, then they will probably keep you on annual recall, as it means you are still at risk of developing CIN.

It's not a national thing (as yet). TBH if they were getting your consent for doing the HPV test then they should explained it a bit more e.g. what happens if ones positive and the other's negative. Did they give you a leaflet?
There are some pilot schemes operating:

1. use as triage for women with a Pap test showing low grade abnormalities to help decide if they should be referred to colposcopy or have a follow-up test
2. test of cure (TOC) - this is being trialled, the HPV test is done at 6 months post treatment and at 12 months (IIRC, my lab isn't involved), if these are both HPV negative then the woman is returned to routine recall, as they are at low risk of developing an abnormality in 3-5 year period.

Neither of those fit your current situation, so in all honesty I would ring the practice up and ask to go through it with someone - because if they should have explained what it meant, why they were doing it and what would happen if the Pap +/- HPV test are positive.
I would be interested to know the answer.

thanks for that. i got a leaflet but it wasn't that helpful to be honest. I have googled and I don't seem to fit the bill for having one. She did say if it was -gve then i would be put back on routine so maybe it is for that reason. Doubt i'll get much joy out of the surgery (no-one ever answers the phone!) i'm a bit worried about the results because it's the not knowing the implications!

Seriously, make an appointment to see your GP and get them to explain it. It's not routine practice unless you're in one of the pilot areas and you should really be given the option to say no.
The TOC results have been pretty good and I'm (surmising!) on what's been presented that it may well be adopted by the national programme. However, I personally would expect a bit more info and explanation because my understanding of the trials doesn't fit this circumstance. From what you've said, you're onto yout 7th f/up and so would have 3 more before going back to routine recall, so not sure why they've done one; I suppose the trial might have been extended.
(usual disclaimer about not knowing you, you not knowing me, I'm not a medic and not your GP/clinician etc...I could be an alien etc etc).

I just got my results today and have a clear smear and did not test positive for the HPV virus so am now back on 3 year screening programme as my results suggest I am at a very low risk of developing cervical cancer at the moment. I am very happy

Good to hear