HPV Self Sampling

What is HPV self-screening?

The HPV self-screening test takes a swab from the vagina to test for human papillomavirus (HPV).  HPV self-screening is a test for cervical screening. It is offered to women and people with a cervix who rarely attend or who have never attended cervical screening. You can take your own sample for cervical screening at your GP practice.

Most women and people with a cervix will not have HPV. However, if we find HPV in your sample, you will need to have another sample collected by a doctor or nurse. This is to check for abnormal cervical cells. Abnormal cells can develop into cervical cancer if left untreated.

NHSE London HPV self-screening in general practice

The NHS in London has selected 100 practices to offer HPV self-screening to eligible women and people with a cervix when they attend the practice for any reason e.g. for routine GP appointments, BP checks or blood tests. In the future, HPV self-screening will be offered by all general practices in London.

Further information about the Cervical Screening Programme can be found here Your guide to NHS cervical screening – GOV.UK

Further information on  HPV self-screening can be found in our patient information leaflet below

You can also access a useful video that explains the process in detail – Click here for video which is also available in different languages