The Quick Read
- An abnormal Pap or high-risk HPV test (the recommended test, performed when screening with Teal) result means your screening picked up something that needs a closer look.
- Per guidelines, the next step after an abnormal result is an in-person exam to further evaluate the cervix. Your provider will walk you through this process and help prepare you for this referral.
- It is important to attend the follow-up with your Teal provider to learn more about your result and next steps, as high-risk HPV that is left unmonitored or untreated can lead to cervical cancer.
- Cervical cancer screening guidelines were updated in 2026 to include self-collection (at-home and in-clinic) as recommended screening methods, with follow-up steps best suited to these approaches.
It can be unsettling to get an abnormal cervical cancer screening result. First, take a deep breath. An abnormal test result does not necessarily mean cervical cancer was detected – it can take decades for abnormal cell changes to turn into cancer, and appropriate follow-up can prevent this altogether. There are many reasons for an abnormal result, and arming yourself with trusted information and resources to determine your next steps is your best course of action.
First, let’s go over how cervical cancer screening works today.
There are a few recognized ways to screen for cervical cancer:
- Primary HPV test (which Teal uses): The HPV test is the most sensitive, meaning it is best at picking up disease or infection when it is present, and it is the recommended screening test by all leading medical organizations (guidelines were updated in early 2026).
- Pap smear: Also called a Pap test, which looks for abnormal cell changes on the cervix, or
- Co-test that combines the two.
Primary HPV testing, the recommended test for cervical cancer screening, can now happen in two ways:
- At-home: The Teal Wand is the first FDA-authorized self-collection device for at-home cervical cancer screening. The patient collects a sample at home and mails it to the lab to test on the same HPV test used in-clinic, with the same accuracy.
- In-clinic: The sample is collected either by the clinician using the speculum or by the patient with a self-collection swab (if available at the clinic), and, similar to above, is run on an HPV test in the lab..
Your test result guides what comes next.
A positive (abnormal) high-risk HPV result means: one of the 14 high-risk HPV types was detected in your sample. HPV tests look for HPV 16, HPV 18, and 12 others. HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for a majority of cervical cancers and require an in-clinic colposcopy for follow-up. ‘HPV Other’ requires an in-clinic cytology test (Pap).
Having a positive test for high-risk HPV is common, and does not mean you have cancer or precancer – nearly all sexually active adults get HPV at some point. It does, however, require a closer in-person look at the cervical cells to understand what type of monitoring or treatment, if any, is needed. If you have an abnormal HPV result with Teal, our clinicians will guide you through understanding your results thoroughly and ensure you are referred to local, in-person care for appropriate follow-up care.
Next, let's walk through the different types of cytology (Pap smear) results and what they mean
What is an abnormal Pap smear (cytology)?
A Pap smear must be done in-clinic and detects cell changes on the cervix by collecting a small sample of cervical cells, which is then sent to a lab for review with a microscope. Your result comes back as either normal or some version of abnormal. An abnormal result means some abnormal cervical cell changes were found. In most cases, these changes are not cancer, and are often linked to having high-risk HPV. Your doctor will want to investigate further to understand what is going on.
You may have had a Pap smear first, as your initial cervical cancer screening, or you may be referred for a Pap if your Teal screening results came back as ‘HPV Other.’
Here are some of the abnormal cytology results that can come back:
More common, lower-grade changes:
- ASC-US (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance): The most common abnormal result. Changes may come from HPV, cervical irritation, infection, or hormonal shifts such as pregnancy or menopause.
- LSIL (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions): Low-grade (mild) cell changes that may be caused by an HPV infection and may need further testing.
Changes that usually need a closer look:
- ASC-H (atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade lesion): Possible high-grade (more severe) changes that require further testing, usually a colposcopy.
- HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions): More severe cell changes that may lead to cancer if not treated. Further testing is needed, usually a colposcopy.
- AGC (atypical glandular cells): Abnormal glandular cells from the inner cervix or uterine lining. This requires a colposcopy and sometimes a sample from inside the uterus (endometrial biopsy), depending upon age and other risk factors.
- AIS (adenocarcinoma in situ): Precancerous glandular cells from the inner part of the cervix. The next steps are colposcopy plus a procedure to remove the precancer.
- Cervical cancer cells (squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma): Cancer cells were found, which is less common for people who screen regularly. A sample (cervical biopsy) is taken to confirm the presence and type of cervical cancer. Your doctor will then work with you on the next steps.
The Bottom Line
If you received abnormal cervical cancer screening results, do not panic, but do continue with the necessary follow-up steps. Cervical cancer is entirely preventable with routine screening because cell changes can be identified and treated before they progress. Teal medical providers are here to help you every step of the way – if you have any questions about your screening results or history, schedule your Teal follow-up or contact a provider within your portal today.
Get Screened Today
To screen privately and conveniently from home, complete the medical eligibility to see if Teal is right for you and request your kit. A Teal medical provider will support you through the experience, provide a thorough review of your results, and guide you on next steps, if any are needed.
