The human papillomavirus (HPV) test is a swab test used to check for the virus inside the vagina. This test will specifically check for high risk types of HPV, which are the leading cause of a number of cancers, including cervical cancer. They are also responsible for around 5% of all cancers worldwide.

What’s the difference between a HPV test and a smear test?

The HPV test is a swab test which you can do by yourself at home. You can use the swab to collect samples from inside your vagina, to check for the virus that can cause cancer, but you are not looking for cancer itself.

A smear test is usually done by taking samples from inside the cervix (entrance of the womb). This is done by a doctor or medical professional. The smear test checks for any abnormal cells around the cervix area that could develop into cervical cancer, rather than checking for the HPV virus.

The HPV test does not replace the need for regular smear tests.

Why should I get tested for HPV?

You may want to get tested for HPV if:

• you want to check if you have any of the high risk forms of HPV that could cause cervical cancer
• you or your partner received abnormal results from cervical screening tests
• a close family member has been diagnosed with cervical cancer and you are worried you may also be at risk
• you regularly have unprotected sex
• you have had unprotected sex with someone who has developed genital warts caused by HPV

Most women become infected with at least one strain of HPV at some point in their lives. In most cases, the infection clears within a few months without causing any symptoms or harm.

Simply testing positive for a high risk HPV type does not mean that you will develop cervical cancer.

However, high risk strains can cause cervical cancer to develop. Getting tested helps you to know if you have been infected by these high risk strains, so you can get the necessary treatment before it causes cancer.

Testing positive may simply mean you need to have slightly more regular smear tests, but you should always discuss these results with your doctor.

What strains of HPV does this test check for?

This test checks for strains 16 and 18 separately. It also checks for a panel of other strains, but you won't get individual results for these. Instead, you will receive a single result that will let you know if you have tested positive or negative for any of the following strains of HPV: 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 69, 73 and 82.

The HPV test is simple and quick to use. Unlike cervical screening tests, you do not need to use a speculum or take samples from deep inside your cervix. However, you should still also have smear tests as this test does not replace the need for a smear.

How to use the HPV home test kit

The HPV home test kit will come with an information leaflet which has detailed instructions on how to take the sample and post it.

The process should only take a few minutes, and involves inserting the swab provided inside your vagina, to collect the sample for testing.

After taking the sample, you should seal it up and put it in the postage pack provided and send it to our partner laboratory. Your results should be ready within 7 working days of the laboratory receiving your sample.

How accurate is the HPV test?

The HPV test uses molecular diagnostic testing to identify the virus. This uses advanced molecular genetics technology to identify the HPV DNA load in the sample, making it one of the most accurate tests available to identify HPV.

What types does the HPV test check for?

This HPV test checks for the high-risk virus types which could cause cervical cancers. The two most common high-risk types tested by our test kit are types 16 and 18.

These are the cause of most HPV-related cancers. The test also tests for other high risk strains: HPV 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 69, 73 and 82.

This may be a wider range of strains than the NHS will test for. If you are unsure if your NHS service will act on any positive results from this test, please speak to your GP or practise nurse first.

Can men use a HPV test?

There is currently no reliable HPV test for men, though specialist clinics may offer them. Most HPV tests are available to women because of the virus's role in causing cervical cancer. Whereas, regular HPV testing is not currently recommended for identifying abnormalities that can lead to anal, penile, or throat cancers in men.

Men who have sex with men can get an anal pap test, which checks for pre-canceorus cells in the anus. This includes testing for high risk strains of HPV present in the anus. This helps to identify abnormal cells, so they can be removed before they develop into cancer.

In the UK, HPV testing is part of cervical screening on the NHS. Women between the ages of 25 to 49 are invited every 3 years and those between 50 to 64 years are invited every 5 years.

If you have been infected with HPV, it can take weeks or months for the virus to be detected.

Some bodies recommend that young women get tested regularly for HPV because of the risk of developing cervical cancer if they have the high risk forms of HPV.

If you have had unprotected sex or have been exposed to HPV, you should also get tested. It is better to wait for a few weeks after exposure before getting tested so the viral load (amount of virus in your body) can be high enough to be detected during testing.

After placing your order for our HPV home test kits, they can be delivered to your door using our next day delivery service.

We will usually send your results within 7 working days after your sample reaches our lab. Our doctors will contact you through your patient account, using a discrete encrypted channel. In some cases, they may give you a call.

For your privacy, we will never contact you through email or text message with your results.

Your HPV home test results will usually come out as either positive or negative for HPV.

What does a negative HPV test result mean?

If your HPV test results are negative, it means you are not currently infected with the high risk forms of HPV tested for. You do not need a further follow up appointment with a doctor but you should attend your regular cervical screening tests when invited.

You should also use a condom during sex to reduce your risk of being infected with HPV or other STIs.

If you have tested negative for HPV, you may also want to consider getting the HPV vaccine to protect you from the virus in case of future exposures. The HPV vaccine is available from any of our local Superdrug pharmacies.

What does a positive HPV test result mean?

If your HPV test results are positive, it means you are currently infected with the high risk forms of HPV tested for. You will need a follow up appointment with a doctor who will advise you on further tests you will need to take.

What does a false positive HPV test result mean?

There is a small risk of HPV tests showing false positive results. A false positive HPV test result will show you have the HPV infection when you really do not. Sometimes, false positive HPV test results could be due to a problem with the test kit.

If your HPV test results are positive for the high risk forms of HPV, our doctors at Superdrug Online Doctor will advise you about the next steps to take on getting treatment.

Can HPV be treated?

HPV infection cannot be cured and usually does not cause serious health problems. Sometimes, the infection may even clear within a few months without causing any symptoms.

If you are positive for high risk forms of HPV, you may have a higher risk of developing a number of cancers, including cervical cancer. You will need to visit your local GP for follow up tests to check for abnormal cells in your cervix.

If you have abnormal cells in your cervix, you may have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer so your doctor may refer you for treatment to remove the abnormal cells. Your doctor will also advise you to attend regular cervical smear tests in the near future.

Do I need to contact my partners if I test positive for HPV?

The decision is up to you. Most people with HPV are infected without ever being aware of it, and in 95% of cases, you would get rid of it through your own natural immunity.

HPV or Human Papillomavirus is the name for a group of over 100 viruses which affect the skin and moist areas of the body. Most forms of the virus are spread through sex, so HPV is classed as a type of STI.

How is HPV spread?

HPV can be spread by:

• skin to skin contact around the genital areas
• vaginal, oral or anal sex
• sharing sex toys

What are the symptoms of HPV infection?

There are not always clear symptoms of HPV so most people may not know they have the virus.

Even though HPV infection does not have symptoms, different forms of the virus can cause genital warts or abnormal cells in the cervix which may sometimes lead to cervical cancer.