WHAT IS HPV SELF-SAMPLING?
HPV self-sampling is an alternative screening tool for cervical cancer. It enables women to take a self-collected cervico-vaginal sample at home for HPV testing.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SELF-SAMPLING?
HPV self-sampling kit is a reliable screening tool that can overcome the barriers to Pap smear. It is easy to perform, convenient and reliable. It also improves screening participation by under-screened women.
According to our local study, over 50% of women stated a preference for HPV self-sampling as a future cervical screening tool, particularly those with no history of Pap smear.
How do I collect a sample?
- To perform HPV self-sampling, wash your hands before removing the kit from the packaging.
- Then find a comfortable position, such as lying down with your buttocks on a cushion, knees bent and legs spread open, or standing upright with one foot on a chair.
- Spread your labia with one hand, and with the other, gently insert the kit into your vagina as far as you can, until you feel firm resistance or until you reach the top end of the vagina.
- Once it reaches the end of the vagina, rotate the kit 3-5 times to gather cells.
- Slowly remove the swab from the vagina and place it into a specimen bag.
- Close the bag with a seal strip, then place it into a return envelope, and return within 24 hours after sample collection, via post or other alternatives.
If you have pain, please stop immediately and seek advice from your family doctor.
What does the test result mean?
A HPV positive result means a medical follow up is needed. Having HPV does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer, as the majority of HPV infections are cleared by the immune system. However, HPV infection could put you at higher risk of developing cell changes, therefore, it is vital to keep track of the status of an HPV infection, in order to prevent cervical cancer.
A test that is negative for HPV means that no HPV has been found in the cervical cells and you should return to routine screening,
It is important to follow up with your doctor right away to learn more about your test results and receive additional check-up that may be needed.
