What should be done for a patient with abnormal cervical cancer screening results with ASC-US who tests negative for HPV?

For a patient with abnormal cervical cancer screening results showing ASC-US (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance) who tests negative for HPV (Human Papillomavirus), the recommended approach is to repeat the Pap test in one year. This strategy is particularly relevant because the ASC-US result indicates that there are atypical cells, but the negative HPV test suggests that the risk of significant cervical pathology is low at this time.

If the repeat Pap test in one year returns with similar or normal results, this can provide reassurance and guide ongoing management. It is essential to monitor the situation, as many cases of ASC-US resolve without intervention, especially in the presence of a negative HPV test. Therefore, the protocol emphasizes surveillance rather than immediate invasive procedures or more aggressive actions, which are typically reserved for cases with either persistent ASC-US or positive HPV results.

This approach aligns with the current guidelines for cervical cancer screening, which advocate for risk stratification based on the combination of cytology and HPV testing.