Dr. Peter McKenna:

Yes, but HPV testing can be done on its own as a screening test. If it is negative, the chances of the person subsequently developing carcinoma are very small. It is very good at that. However, if it is positive, there may not be a disease present. It is possible to carry the virus and for it not to effect a person's cells. That is why we have to have cytology. HPV testing will pick up much and it is very good at producing the negative that a person is unlikely to develop the disease, but it will also pick up more false positives. That is why we need cytology and colposcopy.