Human papillomavirus (HPV) examination has made cervical cancer screening change from observation which based on morphology to molecular risk classification, hence clinically useful progress is not balanced among targets, platforms and sampling work procedures. This review synthesized the latest proof from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and WHO guidance documents, with stress on English language comparative research and guides issued from 2023 to 2025. Newest data indicate that authenticated DNA tests are still the main support of first-step checking because they bring together high sensitivity, automatic operation, and expandable genotyping, therefore E6/E7 mRNA, p16/Ki-67 double staining, and E6/E7 oncoprotein tests enhance triage specificity through concentrating on biologically active infection or transformation. Self-collection, urine examination, CRISPR-rooted on-site detection platforms, long-read combination analysis, and AI-supported cytology enlarge access or deepen risk classification, but standardization and forward-looking verification still lack enough for overall substitution of mature working procedures. On the whole, this research area is advancing in the direction of a step-by-step model, in which the first step is primary HPV nucleic acid examination, after which there comes genotype-conscious and activity-based classification, with sampling simplification and testing close to patient being utilized to promote coverage and shorten turnaround time. This framework can give support to more accurate and more easy-to-reach cervical cancer prevention work.
