What if I have an abnormal (HPV positive) test result?

An abnormal result means you collected an adequate sample and high-risk HPV was found in your sample. An HPV-positive result is very common and does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. If you receive an abnormal result, you will be directed to schedule a follow-up telehealth appointment with a Teal provider to understand your next steps. If follow-up steps are recommended for you, it is very important that you understand them and complete them. The purpose of a screening is to make sure we identify who needs to be followed more closely to prevent cancer.

In nearly all cases, your body’s immune system will clear the HPV infection within a few years. However, if HPV goes without follow-up care and remains untreated for many years, it can cause abnormal cell changes that lead to cervical cancer over time. This is why both screening and follow-up are very important – to ensure that the HPV did, in fact, clear.

Your Teal provider will be able to answer any questions you have about your result and refer you for appropriate follow-up care, depending on the type of HPV that was detected and your screening history.