The HPV test, also known as the human papillomavirus test, involves taking epithelial cells from the cervical canal and placing them in a special vial for testing. During the gynecological exam the doctor opens the woman’s vagina and exposes the cervix to take the secretions from the cervical canal, taking care to sweep as many circles as possible to get more cells out. You should not have sexual intercourse for 48 hours before the test, and you should not use any vaginal medication or irrigation.