If a Pap test shows certain abnormal cells, further HPV testing may be suggested. For patients younger than 30, HPV infections are common but most of these infections require no treatment. Patients over 30 may want both the Pap and HPV test at the same time. If the results of both tests are negative, annual testing may not be necessary.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women should follow a few simple screening guidelines.

First Screening – Screening of cervical cells should begin by approximately three years after the first sexual intercourse or by age 21, whichever comes first.

Women Up To 30 – Women up to 30 should have an annual Pap smear. Women under 30 have a higher likelihood of acquiring high-risk types of HPV that can cause premalignant cervical disease, which should be ruled out before extending the screening intervals.

Women 30 and Older – According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, there are two acceptable screening options for women in this age group. With either option, women in this age group may not need annual screening.

• Cervical Cytology (cell study) Alone
  If a woman age 30 or older has negative results on three consecutive annual cervical cytology tests, then she may be screened every two to three years.
• Cervical Cytology with Test for High-risk Types of HPV
  Under this option women receive both a cervical cytology test and a genetic test that looks for high-risk types of HPV known to cause cancer (an HPV DNA test). Once women test negative on both tests they should be screened with the combined tests every three years.

More frequent cervical screening may be required for higher-risk women who are infected with HIV, have suppressed immune systems (such as those receiving kidney transplants) or have been previously diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix for benign reasons and with no history of abnormal or cancerous cell growth may discontinue routine cervical cell testing. Women who have had a hysterectomy but who have a history of abnormal cell growth should be screened annually until they have three consecutive, negative tests

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