Definition

A laboratory test in which cells are scraped from the cervix to look for RNA of the most common types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Certain types of HPV may cause abnormal tissue growth, such as warts, and other changes to cells. Infection for a long time with other types of HPV may cause cervical cancer. A human papillomavirus RNA test may be done with a Pap test to check for HPV infection and cervical cancer. HPV infection may also cause other types of cancer, such as cancers of the anus, vagina, vulva, penis, and oropharynx. Also called HPV RNA test.