Pathologist Explains:
Self-Collect HPV Testing

Q: What is self‑collection HPV testing for cervical screening?

A: Self-collect HPV testing is a method that tests for the presence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is strongly associated with the development of cervical lesions and cancer.

The test involves the patient collecting a vaginal swab, which is sent to the pathology laboratory to test for the presence of HPV.

If HPV is detected in a sample, this does not mean that you have cervical cancer or a cervical lesion, but does indicate that you may have an increased risk of developing a cervical lesion. Further testing will be necessary to assess your individual cervical health.

Importantly, a negative HPV test is highly predictive that you will not develop a significant cervical lesion in the next 5 years. This means you should not require testing for another 5 years. Of course, if you develop any worrying symptoms in the meantime, you should always discuss this with your doctor, who will decide whether further testing is appropriate.

Q: Is a self‑collected HPV test just as accurate as a test collected by a doctor?

A: Self-collected HPV testing has been shown in medical trials to detect HPV as effectively as a clinician collected sample.

The laboratory testing ensures that human cells are present on the submitted sample, so that there is confidence that an adequate sample has been taken.

Q: How do I know I’m doing the self‑collection test correctly?

A: You will be provided with clear written and diagrammatic instructions on how to take a self-collect swab.

The procedure involves inserting the swab into the vagina (like placing a tampon) - the depth is marked in red on the swab as a guide. The swab is then gently rotated for 20 to 30 seconds, removed, and placed back into the container. It’s as simple as that.

Your GP or nurse practitioner can also explain the process or assist you if required.

Q: Who is eligible for self‑collection HPV testing?

A: Self-collection HPV testing is available to all asymptomatic women and people with a cervix who have ever been sexually active, between the age of 25 and 75 years, who are due or overdue for cervical screening. This includes pregnant women. Self-collect HPV testing has been shown to be safe during pregnancy.

HPV testing is important even if you are vaccinated, as the vaccine does not protect against all HPV types.

Regardless of age, if you have any symptoms of bleeding, discharge, pain or any other issues you may be concerned about, you should discuss these with your GP, who can guide the most appropriate investigations for you.

Q: What does it mean if my HPV test is positive?

A: It is important to remember that detecting HPV in the self-collect HPV sample does not mean that you have cervical cancer or a cervical lesion, but does indicate that you may have an increased risk which requires further testing and monitoring.

This may involve collection of a cervical sample by your GP or nurse practitioner, or referral to a specialist gynaecologist to assess your cervix directly. This will allow a clinician-collected sample to be performed so the pathology laboratory can look at the cervical cells through a microscope for the presence of any abnormalities and will determine any further management required.

In many cases, this means repeating the test after 12 months to check whether the HPV infection has cleared or not. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary.

Q: Why is self‑collection an important option for cervical cancer screening?

A: Self-collect HPV testing forms an important part of the Australian National Cervical Screening Program, a program whose aim is to decrease deaths from cervical cancer, one of the most common cancer-related deaths in women worldwide.

Self-collection allows easy, quick and convenient access to screening for many women and people with a cervix across the community, who may not otherwise participate in this important preventative health measure for a range of cultural, psychosocial, locational or personal reasons.

Increased participation in the screening program produces better outcomes for individuals, their loved ones and entire communities.

For more information about self-collect HPV testing and cervical screening, please visit our dedicated patient information page.