 Cervical samples for human papillomavirus HPV DNA analysis and cytological analysis were obtained from women with abnormal smears referred to Umeå university hospital, Sweden, for treatment with conization. These women were scheduled for HPV DNA testing and Pap smears before and 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after treatment. The HPV DNA testing was performed with a PCR-based genotyping method. 