Oral HPV Testing

Oral HPV testing typically involves taking a swab from the back of your throat, tonsillar area, or inside of the cheeks. In some protocols, a mouth rinse or gargle sample may be used instead. The collected sample is sent to a specialist laboratory for HPV DNA testing using PCR (polymerase chain reaction). This test detects the presence of HPV and may identify specific HPV types (low-risk or high-risk). While fasting is not necessary, it’s recommended to avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth for at least 1–2 hours beforehand, as this can improve the quality of the sample.

You can eat and drink as normal the day of your test, but for best results, avoid doing so for a couple of hours beforehand. Also try not to brush your teeth or use mouthwash right before your appointment, as these can reduce the amount of detectable HPV DNA in your sample. There are no other special preparations required. Your clinician or the sample collector will guide you through the process.

Oral HPV PCR testing can detect both low-risk types (such as HPV 6 and 11, associated with oral warts) and high-risk types (such as HPV 16, 18, 31, etc., which may be linked to oropharyngeal cancers). The specific types tested depend on the laboratory panel used.

Most accredited laboratories offer multiplex HPV DNA PCR assays that screen for a panel of both high-risk and low-risk types. These may include HPV low-risk types 6, 11 and high-risk types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, 58, etc. The result will apply only to the site from which the sample was taken (i.e. oral cavity).

PCR-based oral HPV testing is sensitive and specific for detecting HPV DNA at the swabbed site. However:

– A negative result only rules out HPV at that specific location; it doesn’t exclude infection elsewhere (e.g. anogenital region).
– HPV may exist at low levels or intermittently shed, meaning timing can affect results.
– The test does not assess whether the infection is active, transient, or potentially persistent.

If you have persistent symptoms (e.g. sore throat, oral lesions), follow-up with a healthcare professional is recommended regardless of test outcome.

Oral HPV testing uses a PCR assay to detect HPV DNA in epithelial cells collected from the oral cavity or oropharynx. PCR amplifies small amounts of viral DNA to detectable levels, allowing identification of specific HPV types. The test is qualitative — it tells you whether HPV is present, and if so, which type(s), but does not indicate duration, viral load, or transmissibility. Results are site-specific and should be interpreted alongside clinical findings.

A positive result means HPV DNA has been detected in your oral or throat sample. The test may also indicate whether the type is low-risk (commonly linked to warts) or high-risk (linked to a higher risk of certain cancers). This does not mean you currently have cancer or will develop it — many infections are temporary and clear on their own. Your result applies only to the site tested and should be interpreted with guidance from a Specialist.

High-risk oral HPV types (especially HPV 16 and 18) are associated with an increased risk of oropharyngeal cancers (throat, tonsils, base of tongue). However, most people with high-risk HPV do not develop cancer. It’s important to monitor for persistent infections or symptoms (e.g. long-lasting sore throat, ulcers, or hoarseness). Your Specialist may recommend repeat testing or ENT referral depending on your history and risk profile.

Yes — while there’s no treatment for the virus itself, a strong immune system can help clear the infection naturally. Recommended steps include:

– Quit smoking or vaping (linked to poorer HPV clearance)
– Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
– Minimise alcohol and manage stress
– Practice safe oral sex (though HPV can still be transmitted even with barrier methods)

Routine monitoring and following your clinician’s advice is key.

The virus itself cannot be eradicated with medication, but visible oral lesions caused by HPV can be managed. Treatment options may include:

– Surgical excision
– Cryotherapy (freezing)
– Laser ablation
– In some cases, topical or systemic immune-modulating agents may be considered off-label.

Your Specialist will assess the lesion type, location, and associated risks before recommending a tailored approach.

Duration varies. Many infections clear within 6 to 24 months, especially in healthy individuals. Some high-risk types may persist longer and warrant follow-up. A positive result only reflects the virus at the time and site of sampling, not how long it has been present. Persistent infection with the same high-risk type may increase cancer risk and should be reviewed periodically.

You are not legally required to disclose this, but open communication is encouraged. HPV is very common and often shared between partners. Letting your partner know allows them to make informed decisions about their own health. If they’re concerned, they should discuss screening or vaccination with a healthcare provider. You can ask a Specialist for help in explaining the implications.

Unfortunately, no. The HPV PCR test can detect current viral presence but cannot determine when the infection began or how long you’ve had it. There are no validated tests for HPV infection duration, so management focuses on present risk and clinical findings.