Human papillomavirus screening (HPV)

The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). It is diagnosed in over 99% of cervical cancer patients.

There are different types of HPV which are grouped according to the severity of their cancer risk. More than 150 HPV types have been described. Many of them are not very dangerous but several dozen are classified as having a higher risk, and HPV 16 and HPV 18 are classified as “high risk”. Oncogenic qualities are also attributed to HPV types 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59.

Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and go away by themselves. Statistically, five out of ten sexually active women sooner or later will contract the virus but only a few of them will get pre-cancerous or cancerous abnormalities resulting from the infection.
Whether the cervix has been infected with HPV can be established with the help of the liquid based oncocytology test, and the virus test. These tests will show if the woman has contracted the virus.
For 100% protection from cervical cancer we recommend that these two tests are performed together – human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cytology (PAP).
The world medical community unanimously agrees that it is much easier to avoid cervical cancer than to treat it. Copy chartEdit chartPublish chartDownload chart

You must make an appointment with a gynaecologist for this test, as they will take a sample of the cells of your cervix.

Test price

Service	Regular price Regular For clients who are not covered by compulsory health insurance
HPV 16 and 18 genotypes estimation, screening of high risk genotypes (31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68)	39.00 €
HPV high risk genotypes (16,18,26,31,33,35,39,45,51,52,53,56,58,59,66,68,69,73,82)	39.00 €

What factors affect the price?

The prices indicated below apply to citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and the European Union.
If you are coming from another country please check the price by telephoning or sending an email.

More about prices

Why it is worth

to be examined at our Centre?

The main test results are available within 1–2 hours.
We perform high quality tests which has been confirmed by the ISO 15189 certification of our laboratory.
The results of the tests performed in our laboratory are explained by our staff, a service that is provided by only a few laboratories in the country.
There is no risk of damage or mix-up of test samples during transportation.

Good to know

How to prepare for the test?

The best time for the HPV test is between day 10 and day 20 from the first day of your period. Try to avoid using creams, washing foam and vaginal medications two days before the test, as they may interfere with your results.

When do you recommend having the first HPV test?

The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at the age of 30 women should be screened with the HPV test.

If a woman has been having regular PAP tests every three years, and the results were negative each time, it is recommended that she has her first HPV test at the age of 30. If cervical cell changes have been detected in the PAP test results of a 21-29 year old woman, it will be recommended that she has the HPV test at an earlier age*.
*Information source: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/infectious-agents/hpv/hpv-and-hpv-testing.html

How do I find out my test results?

The test results will be ready in 7 working days.
They can be collected at the reception or we can email them to you upon request.
If you wish to have your preliminary test results explained to you, please call the laboratory on (8 5) 247 64 17.

FAQ (frequently asked questions)

How often do women get HPV?

Studies show that 80% of women at 50 years of age have already had at least one type of human papilloma virus. HPV is usually spread during vaginal or anal sex, and it can also be spread through oral sex or other close skin-to-skin or mucous membrane touching, involving the vagina, mouth or anus. HPV can also be contracted through petting (touching another person’s sex organs) with no penetrative sexual intercourse. The majority of these viruses are not dangerous and are dealt with by the immune system alone. However, some types of HPV stay in the body and can eventually cause cancer.

Does having HPV mean that you will get cancer?

No. If a woman has been diagnosed with the HPV infection, it still does not mean that she is or will definitely get cervical cancer. If the HPV test results show that a woman has contracted a high risk type HPV, she must take certain preventative steps. The most important thing is to have regular appointments with her gynaecologist and regularly do all the tests recommended by them.

90% of HPV infections clear naturally within 2 years. Nevertheless, it has not been established if the virus goes away completely, or if it becomes so supressed by the immune system that it cannot be detected. It is likely that after some time, or even after several years, the virus can become active again and that is why it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and have repeat HPV tests.

What age group is mostly affected by cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is most common among women over 30. For this reason, HPV infected women over 30 must have regular check-ups.

Is it necessary to have the HPV test if the PAP test came back negative?

In Lithuania, we usually perform the PAP test, and only if it shows abnormal results, is the HPV test also suggested. Nevertheless, in many progressive countries the two tests are offered together, as they provide conclusive results. This is confirmed by the example of Germany’s DNAPAP™ cervical cancer prevention programme for women, which employed both testing methods, i.e. the high-risk HPV test and the PAP smear test. As the result, the number of new cases of the disease decreased by 7,000, while the number of deaths was reduced by 2,000.