The information in this section is aimed at healthcare professionals, including sample takers, colposcopists and oncologists. It may also be useful for other non-clinical professionals.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of common viruses. In England, Scotland and Wales, cervical screening routinely checks for high-risk HPV – types that can be linked to cervical cancer. This is sometimes called HPV primary screening. In Northern Ireland, HPV is sometimes checked for after a result of low cell changes. This is sometimes called HPV triage.
HPV can cause extreme anxiety for women and people with a cervix. Healthcare professionals play an important role in ensuring the facts about HPV are delivered clearly to reassure patients and encourage greater understanding of the virus.
