Which patients would you expect to be recommended for HPV testing?

• A. Females > 20 if they have ASC
• B. Females whose pap smears were suspicious for a glandular lesion
• C. All of the above
• D. Females > 30, regardless of pap results

Answer: (C)

HPV testing serves both as part of routine screening in older women and as a targeted triage tool when cytology is abnormal. In women over 30, co-testing with HPV and Pap cytology is a common screening approach, used regardless of the Pap result, to better assess cancer risk and guide next steps. When a Pap smear shows atypical squamous cells, HPV testing helps determine whether to pursue more immediate evaluation with colposcopy—positive results push for closer follow-up, while negative results may lead to watchful waiting with repeat screening. If the Pap smear raises suspicion for a glandular lesion, this finding triggers thorough evaluation due to potential endocervical pathology; HPV testing can still contribute to risk assessment in this context as part of the overall workup. Because HPV testing is relevant in all these scenarios, all of these patient groups would be considered for HPV testing.