What is the recommended follow-up screening for a patient with an ASCUS Pap result and positive HPV?

The recommended follow-up for a patient with an ASCUS Pap result and positive HPV is a colposcopy, not a repeat Pap in one year. The ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance) result indicates that there are some changes in the cervical cells that are not clearly normal, while a positive HPV test suggests the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus types that are associated with cervical cancer.

When both an ASCUS result and a positive HPV result are present, current guidelines advise moving forward with colposcopy as it allows for a more thorough examination of the cervix, potentially identifying any pre-cancerous lesions requiring further management. Routine screening based on age would not be appropriate in this case due to the positive HPV status, which necessitates more immediate follow-up. Similarly, repeating the Pap test in one year would not be sufficient, as it would delay diagnosing and managing any potential high-grade lesions. Diagnostic imaging is not indicated in this scenario for cervical screening and assessment.