How does someone get tested for HPV? I had a Pap smear that showed low-grade squamous cells about a year ago. This was followed by a colposcopy, which showed normal cells. My doctor determined that there was no concern for cervical cancer, but said that usually when someone's Pap smear shows low grade-squamous cells that change back to normal on their own, it means they have HPV. She told me that HPV is the cause of genital warts, which I have never had. My Pap smears since have been normal. Should I be concerned? Should I get tested for HPV?

B.R.

HPV, the human papilloma virus, is a sexually transmitted virus that may be associated with genital warts or abnormal Pap smears. A cervical swabbing, similar to a Pap smear, may be done to look for HPV and identify which of the 60 or so subtypes, if any, are present.

Just because a Pap is mildly abnormal and then reverts to normal does NOT mean a woman has HPV. The Pap smear is a screening test, and as such it has false positives and false negatives. Sometimes something as simple as a mild infection will cause the cells to look abnormal, and the patient will receive a report of a low-grade squamous lesion. The colposcopy -- a procedure to look at the cervix with a microscope and biopsy any abnormal areas -- is a much more sensitive test. It is not uncommon to have an abnormal Pap and a perfectly normal colposcopy.

If you are at risk for HPV (multiple partners in your lifetime, sex at a young age, other STDs), you may want to ask your doctor to do an HPV swab when you have your next Pap smear. It is easy to do, but it can be expensive (anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the lab). If it can provide peace of mind, the cost is well worth it.