In order to compare the sensivity of three methods for the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV)16 DNA, in situ hybridization (ISH), in situ hybridization after amplification by polymerase chain reaction (IS-PCR) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed in paraffin embedded tissues of 39 cervical squamous intraepithelial lession (SILs). The results showed the detective rate of HPV DNA16 by ISH was 46.2% (17/39).It was lower than 66.7%(26/39) by IS-PCR (P<0.05), and significantly lower than 84.6%(33/39) by PCR (P<0.01). Using conventional ISHwith a dig labbeled probe,variable numbers of superfical cells in SILs showed detectable HPV DNAwhen in situ assay was performed after amplification,increased numders of superfical cells had detectable HPV16 DNA and the signals of hybridization were much more intense.PCR method showed the highest sensitivity,but it failed to show the precise localization of intracellular HPV16 DNA.