cervical screening

Cervical Screening
and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common, sexually transmissible viral infection that can cause genital warts and cancers, such as cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and some head and neck cancers. However, not all HPV infections lead to cancer, and most people with HPV may not have any symptoms or their virus clears on its own.

There are many different types of HPV. Low risk types may cause genital warts and minor changes in the cervix. High risk types can sometimes cause precancerous changes and cervical cancer.

Women and people with a cervix from 25 to 74 years of age are encouraged to have a Cervical Screening Test (CST) every five years to check for HPV.

Even if you are HPV vaccinated, it is still advised to do a CST because the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV.

  • What are the symptoms of HPV?

    Most patients with HPV do not have any symptoms, develop warts and/or are unaware they even have the infection. Those that do develop warts on their body parts or genital warts may notice that they are itchy or uncomfortable, flat or raised, single, multiple or clustered.

    HPV may be present in the body for several years before it causes changes in the cervical cells that are identified through pathology testing.

    It is only through a CST that patients can determine if they have been infected with HPV.

  • How is HPV diagnosed?

    HPV is diagnosed through a Cervical Screening Test (CST).

    The information about your HPV result allows your doctor to assess whether you require further investigation or normal ongoing HPV screening.

    There are three risk categories:

    1. Patients who are classified as Low risk are routinely invited to re-screen in five years.
    2. Patients who are classified as Intermediate risk are routinely invited to have another HPV test in 12 months. This is to check that the infection has cleared.
    3. Patients classified as Higher risk are routinely referred directly to colposcopy for further investigation.

  • Who can do a CST?

    Patients have two options for HPV testing:

    1. Clinician-Collected Samples (including for Liquid Based Cytology/LBC or ThinPrep®)
    2. Self-Collected Samples (or Dry Swabs)

    Note: If HPV is detected on the self-collect dry swab, the patient will need to proceed with a clinician-collect test so that LBC can be carried out.

  • What are the self-collect instructions at Clinical Labs?
    Self Collect Patient Instructionsarrow icon

    Items required for self-collect:

    • Clinical Labs request form signed by doctor (ensure self-collect HPV test is noted).
    • Copan FLOQSwab® for vaginal self-collection (552C) (Red Top dry swab) – available from Clinical Labs.
    • Only Copan FLOQSwab 552C is validated for use.
    Copan FLOQSwab 552C for self collect

    Steps for self-collecting:

    self collect step 1

    Before you collect your sample, ensure you have clean hands. To avoid contamination, do not remove the swab from the container until you are ready to collect your sample and do not use any lubricant.

    self collect step 2

    Once you are comfortable, remove the red cap and pull the swab out of the container.

    self collect step 3

    There is a red line halfway along the swab. Insert the front part of the swab inside your vagina aiming for this red line.

    self collect step 4

    Once the swab is correctly inside your vagina, rotate it gently in a circular motion for 20-30 seconds.

    self collect step 5

    Remove the swab, place it back in the container and gently secure the cap.

    self collect step 6

    Return the self-collect swab to the medical practice or Clinical Labs collection centre with the request form with priority. Please ensure the Collection Date is labelled on the container.