I had an abnormal result. What are the next steps I can expect?

If you had an abnormal result, your next steps will depend on what type of HPV was found, your history of HPV results, and any other relevant medical factors. According to current self-collection recommendations from the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, those with an HPV 16 and/or 18 infection should go into the clinic for a colposcopy, where a doctor will look more closely at your cervix and possibly take a small tissue sample. For those who are positive for only HPV Other (i.e., HPV types other than 16 or 18), it is recommended that you go into the clinic for a cytology test (Pap smear) with the clinician so that any changes to your cervical cells can be evaluated.

It is critical that you schedule a follow-up appointment with a Teal provider if you received abnormal results. The provider will inform you of your recommended next steps. While HPV is common and in most cases can be cleared by the immune system, follow-up care is important to monitor the infection and ensure it does not progress into cervical cancer.