Sampling of cells in liquid is advantageous.

HPV testing can be done by using a separate cytologic sample in addition to the Pap smear or in combination with cervical samples yielded from liquid-based cytology.

The cellular material not used for liquid-based cytology is stored and if abnormal cells are diagnosed in the mono-layer slide, the stored sample is analysed for a group of HPV types or the individual HPV type involved.