# What is the difference between a smear test and an HPV test? > Smear test versus HPV DNA test: what each one measures, from what age and how often screening is done, and what an abnormal or positive result means. Published: 8 August 2026 · Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Murat Alpay **Smear test versus HPV DNA test: what each one measures, from what age and how often screening is done, and what an abnormal or positive result means.** A **smear test** examines cells taken from the cervix and detects a cellular change that is present now. An **HPV DNA test** looks for the high-risk types of human papillomavirus that can lead to cancer, whether or not any change has yet appeared in the cells. That is the practical difference between them: one answers *how do the cells look at this moment?*, the other answers *is a virus that carries risk present?* ## What the smear (Pap) test measures A small brush is used to take a sample of cells from the cervix. In the laboratory these cells are examined under a microscope for structurally abnormal (dysplastic) cells. Because it shows the cellular picture at that moment, a smear can be thought of as a snapshot. Related treatment page [Smear and HPV Testing](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/pap-smear-ve-hpv/) A smear (Pap) test is a screening test that looks for changes that come before cancer in cells taken from the cervix. [Details →](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/pap-smear-ve-hpv/) ## What the HPV DNA test measures The HPV DNA test looks in the same sample for the genetic material of high-risk HPV types. It is not concerned with how the cells look, but with whether a virus capable of causing cancer is present. Persistent high-risk HPV infection is the central risk factor in the development of cervical cancer. ## The core differences **What it measures** - Smear: the structural change present in the cells now. - HPV DNA: the presence of a high-risk HPV type. **Sensitivity** - Smear: varies, roughly between **30% and 78%**. - HPV DNA: around **96%**. **Long-term reassurance** - Smear: more limited. - HPV DNA: a negative result gives stronger and longer-lasting reassurance. **How it is used** - Smear: alone, or together with the HPV test (co-testing). - HPV DNA: alone as primary screening, or as co-testing. *These figures come from current international screening guidelines (USPSTF, ASCCP, ACS) and can vary from person to person.* ## From what age, and how often - **21-29 years:** a smear (cytology) alone every **3 years**. In this age group most HPV infections clear on their own, so HPV testing is not used in routine screening. - **30-65 years:** one of three options — an HPV DNA test alone every **5 years**, co-testing (HPV plus smear) every **5 years**, or a smear alone every **3 years**. - **After 65:** screening may be stopped if there have been enough negative results in the last 10 years (for example two consecutive negative HPV or co-tests, or three negative smears). Where there has been treatment for a high-grade cellular change in the past, screening continues for longer. Some guidelines recommend starting at 25 with an HPV test; others recommend starting at 21 with a smear. The starting age and interval right for you are set by your doctor after your personal risk factors are considered. ## What a result means An abnormal smear or a positive HPV test does not mean cancer. What follows — a repeat test, [colposcopy](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/kolposkopi/) or further investigation — depends on age, previous screening history and how the tests read together. For that reason the interpretation and the next step must be decided by a doctor. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are the smear and HPV test done at the same time? Over the age of 30 they can be done together (co-testing), but an HPV test alone or a smear alone are also screening options. ### Is the HPV test painful? The sample is taken in the same way as for a smear — from the cervix. It is usually a short procedure and not uncomfortable. ### If HPV is positive, does that mean cancer? No. Most HPV infections are cleared by the immune system over time. A positive result is a sign that closer follow-up is needed; it is not a diagnosis of cancer. See also [smear and HPV testing](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/pap-smear-ve-hpv/). Written and reviewed by **Op. Dr. Murat Alpay** Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology · Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (Çapa) [Full biography →](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/hakkinda/) [← All posts](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/) --- Original page: https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/smear-testi-ile-hpv-testi-arasindaki-fark-nedir/ Last updated: 2026-08-08 Op. Dr. Murat Alpay — Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Op. Dr. Murat Alpay Practice, Tekelioğlu Cd. No:51 B Kat:2, Filo Apt., 07160 Muratpaşa / Antalya 0505 351 77 88 · Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 · Closed on Sunday *This information is for general guidance only and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment.*