If you get a negative HPV test but a positive ASCUS result, it indicates that there are some abnormal cells inside your cervix; however, the HPV virus is not present in your body. In order to detect cervical cancer and any other abnormalities in the cervix, these tests are very necessary. If you have just received a negative result for HPV but a positive for ASCUS, you may be curious as to what it’s really about and if it is of high concern.
What Should You Know About ASCUS?
Atypical Squamous Cells of Unknown Significance, aka ASCUS, is a result that has the potential to show up on a Pap smear test. It also indicates that there are some unusual cells present in the cervix. However, it is unknown whether or not these cells are malignant.
What Does It Mean If You Get a Negative HPV Test?
If you get a negative result for the HPV test, it indicates that the human papillomavirus is not present in your cervix. Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread sexually and can lead to cervical cancer. If your HPV test comes back negative, the risk that you will acquire cervical cancer is significantly reduced.
What sets a Pap smear apart from an HPV test?
A Pap smear looks for any abnormalities in cells taken from the cervix, whereas an HPV test investigates whether or not the human papillomavirus is present in the cervix.
What Does It Mean If Your HPV Test Comes Back Negative but Your ASCUS Test Doesn’t?
If you get a negative HPV test but a positive ASCUS result, well, it’s definitely indicating that there are some abnormal cells present in your cervix. But here’s the thing that’s important here. That also means that the HPV virus is not present in your body!
It is essential to schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare professional in order to ascertain the reason for the abnormal cells and evaluate whether more testing or treatment is required.
