High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing has become an integral component of cervical cancer screening, given that persistent infection with hrHPV was recognized as a significant risk factor for most precancers and cancers of the cervix. Particularly, testing for hrHPV types (in conjunction with cervical cytology) has been approved for primary screening in women over 30 years of age and for cost-effective triaging of equivocal cervical cytology results. HPV was a small double-stranded DNA virus that cannot be cultured in vitro; so, different types of tests have been developed to detect its presence. Various molecular techniques were available for detecting the presence and/or quantity of hrHPV. In this review, the testing options for hrHPV and its surrogates, with an emphasis on those approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), were detailed. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2011;119:219-27. V C 2011 American Cancer Society.KEY WORDS: HPV testing, human papillomavirus, cervical cancer screening.High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing has become an integral component of cervical cancer screening. Epidemiologic studies provide strong evidence supporting hrHPV infection as a necessary stage in the development of cervical cancer.1-5 Although cervical infection with hrHPV is common, the majority of these cases are self-limited and resolve within 2 years. 6-8 In a small percentage, the infection persists and allows for the overexpression of key HPV oncoprotein-producing genes including E6 and E7. These proteins play an important role in cell cycle dysregulation and promote uncontrolled cell survival and proliferation in a multistep progression that may culminate with invasive carcinoma. 9 With the recognition that persistent infection with hrHPV is a significant risk factor and a necessary precursor for most precancers and cancers of the cervix, hrHPV testing has become an important facet of large-scale screening programs. Particularly, testing for hrHPV types (in conjunction with cervical cytology) has been approved for primary screening in women over 30 years of age and for cost-effective triaging of equivocal cervical cytology results. In this review, the testing options for hrHPV and its surrogates, with an emphasis on those approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), will be detailed.