Is Primary HPV Testing a Blood Test?
No, primary HPV testing for cervical cancer screening is not a blood test—it is performed on cervical samples collected during a pelvic examination, similar to how Pap smears are obtained. 1, 2
How HPV Testing is Performed
HPV testing uses cervical specimens collected with a brush or spatula from the cervix during a speculum examination, identical to the collection method for cytology (Pap testing). 1, 2
The cervical sample is then tested in a laboratory to detect the presence of high-risk (oncogenic) HPV types that cause cervical cancer. 1, 3
There is no blood-based HPV test approved or recommended for cervical cancer screening in average-risk women. 1, 2
What Primary HPV Testing Means
"Primary HPV testing" refers to using HPV testing as the stand-alone screening method (without concurrent cytology), not to the type of specimen collected. 1
The American Cancer Society (2020) recommends primary HPV testing every 5 years starting at age 25 as the preferred cervical cancer screening strategy for average-risk individuals. 1, 2
Only FDA-approved HPV assays validated for primary screening should be used—currently two tests are approved for this purpose in the United States. 2
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse HPV testing with HPV serology (antibody testing). HPV antibody blood tests exist but are used only for research purposes and vaccine studies—they have no role in cervical cancer screening. 4, 3
The term "primary" in "primary HPV testing" indicates that HPV testing is the first-line screening test (rather than being used only after an abnormal Pap result), not that it involves a different specimen type. 1