HPV test
The HPV test looks for the presence of certain high-risk human papillomaviruses associated with the development of cervical cancer.
In Quebec, it is gradually becoming the first-line screening test.1
Sexual and reproductive health · Saint‑HyacintheSample collection by a nurse
Cervical cytology and cervical cancer screening
Understanding the Pap test, the HPV test and cervical sample collection.
Cervical cancer screening looks for changes or infections that can, over time, lead to precancerous lesions or cancer.
For many years, screening in Quebec relied mainly on cervical cytology, also called the Pap test or Papanicolaou test. Quebec is now transitioning to the HPV test as the primary screening test.1
Depending on your age, previous results, history and clinical situation, the professional determines which test is appropriate.
In Quebec in 2026
From the Pap test to the HPV test
Persistent infections with human papillomaviruses (HPV) cause almost all cervical cancers.1
That is why Quebec is gradually replacing the Pap test with the HPV test as the first screening test. This replacement began in 2023 and is continuing across the regions. In Montérégie, the HPV test is now offered as the primary screening test.1
- Transition started in 2023
- HPV test offered in Montérégie
- Ages 25 to 65, generally every 5 years
Two tests
What is the difference between the Pap test and the HPV test?
Both tests are performed on a cervical sample, but they do not look for exactly the same thing.
Cytology or Pap test
Cytology directly examines the cells of the cervix to look for cellular abnormalities.
It may still be used in certain situations or as a complementary test depending on the results obtained.1
The choice of test depends on the Quebec recommendations that apply to your situation.
Cytology
What is cervical cytology?
Cervical cytology involves collecting cells from the surface of the cervix.
The sample is then analyzed in a laboratory to look for abnormal cell changes.
Keep in mind:
- these changes may be benign;
- some may correspond to precancerous lesions requiring monitoring or further investigation;
- cytology alone is not a diagnosis of cancer;
- an abnormal result may lead to other tests depending on its nature and the clinical context.
Eligibility
Who should take part in screening?
In Quebec, HPV test screening is generally intended for people aged 25 to 65 who have a cervix, depending on their eligibility and history.23
When the HPV test is used as the primary test, the recommended interval is generally five years for eligible people whose result allows them to return to regular screening.12 For example, the INESSS protocol provides for a three-year interval for immunosuppressed people.2
The professional determines the appropriate frequency based on your file.
A different schedule may apply in the presence of:
- a history of abnormal results;
- previous precancerous lesions;
- immunosuppression;
- specific follow-up already in place;
- or other clinical factors.
Why get screened even without symptoms?
HPV infections and early cervical lesions are often asymptomatic.2 A person can therefore feel perfectly well while having an abnormality that can be detected by screening.
That is precisely why screening is done before symptoms appear.
Important
Screening is not a consultation for gynecological symptoms
Cytology or a screening test is intended for a person who meets the screening criteria. People who have symptoms are not part of the population targeted by screening.3
Screening does not replace a clinical assessment when a person has, for example:
- unusual vaginal bleeding;
- bleeding after sexual intercourse;
- unusual vaginal discharge;
- pelvic pain;
- pain during sexual intercourse;
- or any other new or concerning gynecological symptom.
In these situations, a separate clinical consultation may be necessary to look for the cause of the symptoms.
Before your appointment
Menstruation: heavy bleeding can sometimes affect the quality of the sample. If you have your period at the time of your appointment, contact the clinic to check whether it is better to keep or reschedule the appointment.
Vaginal products: the INESSS protocol states that the HPV test should not be done if a vaginal gel, cream, lubricant or douche has been used in the previous 24 hours.2
Your appointment
How is the sample collected?
Positioning
You are positioned to allow examination of the cervix.
Inserting the speculum
A speculum is gently inserted to allow the cervix to be seen.
Sample collection
A small brush is used to collect cells or cervical material, depending on the test requested.
Laboratory
The sample is labelled and sent to the appropriate laboratory for analysis.
The procedure itself is generally short.
Comfort
Is it painful?
The sample collection may cause a feeling of pressure or temporary discomfort, for example when the speculum is inserted. Some people feel a mild cramp.
Light bleeding may sometimes occur after the sample is collected.3
If you feel significant pain, tell the nurse.
Can the test be done during menstruation?
It depends on factors such as how heavy the bleeding is and the type of analysis planned.
Contact the clinic before your appointment if you have your period.
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus is very common: about 80 % of sexually active people will contract an HPV infection during their lifetime.3
The immune system usually clears these infections within several months to a few years.3 It is the persistence of an infection with a high-risk type that can lead to precancerous lesions.
Understanding your results
Does a positive HPV result mean I have cancer?
No. A positive result means that a high-risk HPV was detected. It does not mean that cancer is present.3
Depending on the HPV type and other results, follow-up may include:
- complementary cytology;
- a repeat test after a certain period;
- or a colposcopy according to the applicable criteria.
What is an abnormal cytology result?
Some cells seen under the microscope do not look completely normal.
There are several degrees and types of abnormalities. Some only require monitoring, while others warrant further investigation.
An abnormal result therefore does not automatically mean that cancer is present.
What is a colposcopy?
Colposcopy is a specialized examination of the cervix, recommended when certain results require further investigation.
The cervix is examined with a magnifying device and, if needed, small tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken.3
Whether it is needed depends on the result and on Quebec recommendations.
Laboratory
Laboratory analyses: right at the clinic or at the laboratory of your choice
At Clinique IPS du Palais, we work with Dynacare, a private laboratory, among others, to facilitate the analysis of certain samples collected at the clinic.
In Quebec, Dynacare offers gynecologic cytology and HPV detection analyses (including the HPV test, cytology, or both), depending on the requisition and the clinical indication.4
The convenience of on-site sample collection with Dynacare
When the sample is collected at the clinic and a private Dynacare analysis is chosen, the sample is prepared and sent directly to the laboratory.
- sample collection right at the clinic;
- delivery of the sample to the laboratory;
- fewer steps for you;
- easier coordination between sample collection, results and follow-up;
- smoother care when a result requires intervention.
One place for sample collection, arranging the analysis and follow-up.
Do you prefer the public system or another laboratory?
Using Dynacare is not mandatory.
Depending on the test requested, its eligibility and the procedures of the laboratory concerned, our team can prepare the necessary requisitions for an analysis:
- in the public system;
- at another private laboratory;
- or at a laboratory of your choice, when the test is offered there.
Some analyses require a container, device or procedure specific to the laboratory that will perform the analysis. It is therefore best to choose the laboratory before the sample is collected.
Private or public
What is the difference between a private analysis and the public system?
The test itself must meet the applicable standards, but the administrative process and fees may differ.
Private laboratory
- the sample may be collected right at the clinic, depending on the service;
- the sample is sent to the private laboratory;
- laboratory fees may apply.
Public system
- a requisition may be given to you or sent, depending on the available procedures;
- the sample collection or analysis is carried out according to the public system’s procedures;
- eligibility conditions depend on the test and the system.
Are laboratory fees included?
Not necessarily. Fees depend on the test requested and the laboratory chosen.
When private analyses are offered through Dynacare, the applicable fees are presented to you before the analysis is performed or sent.
The private laboratory remains a choice when other options are available.
Our team can explain the options that apply to your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pap test still used in Quebec?
Yes, but its role is changing. Quebec is gradually replacing the Pap test with the HPV test as the primary screening test. However, cytology is still used in certain situations, particularly depending on results and clinical needs.
Is the HPV test available in Montérégie?
Yes. The Government of Quebec states that Montérégie is one of the regions where the HPV test is offered as the primary screening test (page updated June 15, 2026).1
Do I need to have symptoms to be screened?
No. The purpose of screening is precisely to look for abnormalities in people who generally have no symptoms.
If I have symptoms, can I simply book an appointment for cytology?
Not necessarily. Gynecological symptoms sometimes require a separate clinical consultation rather than a simple screening test.
Does a positive HPV test mean my partner recently passed the virus on to me?
No. An HPV infection can remain present or become detectable long after it was acquired: according to the Government of Quebec, HPV can remain dormant for 15 to 20 years without causing symptoms. A positive result therefore cannot determine precisely when the infection was contracted.3
Does the HPV vaccine replace screening?
No. Vaccines do not protect against all types of HPV. Vaccinated people should therefore follow the screening recommendations that apply to their situation.5
Fee
Cervical cytology at Clinique IPS du Palais
Cervical cytology
195 $
Cervical sample collected by a nurse when indicated. The professional checks eligibility for screening, explains how the sample collection works and makes sure the test requested matches the clinical situation.
The sample can be sent for analysis to Dynacare, our private laboratory partner. Depending on the situation and the test required, you can also choose a requisition for the public system or another laboratory when this option is available.
Cervical cytology is a screening test, not an assessment of gynecological symptoms. If you have pain, unusual bleeding, abnormal discharge or other symptoms, a separate clinical consultation may be necessary.
Sources
- Gouvernement du Québec. Information sur le dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus. Québec.ca, updated June 15, 2026, accessed October 4, 2026. quebec.ca
- Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS). Protocole médical national — Dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus par test VPH. September 2026, accessed October 4, 2026. inesss.qc.ca
- Gouvernement du Québec. À propos du test VPH. Québec.ca, updated June 10, 2026, accessed October 4, 2026. quebec.ca
- Dynacare. Gynecologic Cytology Requisition (QC), form INFO 163, rev. 2 (undated), accessed October 4, 2026. dynacare.ca
- Sauvageau C., Quach C. Vaccination contre les VPH : les faits. Institut national de santé publique du Québec, September 27, 2017, accessed October 4, 2026. inspq.qc.ca
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes and does not replace an assessment by a health professional.