There are currently two FDA-approved self-collection tests in the U.S. The first is Onclarity HPV, made by Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), and Cobas HPV, made by Roche Molecular Systems. Both tests are successful in detecting 14 cancer-causing HPV types, and types 16 and 18.Related: The Early Ovarian Cancer Sign Most People Miss, According to OB/GYNs
What Is the Difference Between a Pap Smear and a Self-Collection HPV Test?
The HPV self-collection test uses a swab about the size of a small tampon. You open the tube and insert the swab into your vagina, where you swirl it around for 20 seconds. Afterward, you close the tube and give it to your doctor, who will send it to the lab for testing.Dr. Prabakar's patients have reported self-collection testing to be easy and pain-free. One appeal is that they can control the depth of the swab insertion, avoiding the usual discomfort you would feel from a pap smear. She says this is an appealing alternative for people who have skipped out on going to the doctor because of the pain of Pap smears, especially if they have a history of trauma.
Can you self-swab for HPV at home?
Currently, no. Both of the two FDA-approved self-collection tests require vaginal sampling to happen in a health care setting such as a doctor's office, urgent care, pharmacies and mobile clinics. "In my practice, I leave the room and they do it in the bathroom or the exam room. It takes 20 seconds," Dr. Prabakar says.Related: Everything You Need to Know About Home Medical Tests
Are There Drawbacks to a Self-Collection Test?
Dr. Prabakar says there were initial concerns that someone could lie about their sample and swab an unrelated object like a countertop. However, the test has an internal control, usually human β-globin in DNA, where if labs don't detect enough of it, they can tell it is not a good-quality sample."It's foolproof," Dr. Prabakar adds. "Out of all the patients that have done it in my office, I've never had an unsatisfactory one where they had to repeat it."HPV screens are an accepted and validated method of cervical cancer screening. That being said, the only drawback is that it will not completely replace the Pap smear. Dr. Prabakar says if the self-swab comes up positive, people will need to follow up with a Pap smear. "You're not completely eliminating the Pap, but it's pretty close to it," she explains. "For the few who end up having a positive HPV test, then we need to do the Pap to get some cells and see what's going on there."Related: How To Protect Yourself From Cancer, Oncologist Explains
How Much Is an HPV Self-Collection Test?
A major benefit of an HPV self-collection test is that it's covered by insurance. "All of my patients have been able to have it covered, just as they would have with the Pap. It's not been a problem," says Dr. Prabakar. If you do not have insurance, the test is inexpensive, costing less than a hundred dollars.
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Sources
FDA Approves HPV Tests That Allow for Self-Collection in a Health Care Setting. National Cancer Institute.HPV-Associated Cancers and Precancers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.BD Onclarity™ HPV Assay. BD.cobas® HPV Test. Roche Diagnostics.Dr. Cheruba Prabakar, MD, FACOG, is an OB/GYN affiliated with Becton, Dickinson and company (BD).Evaluation of Pre-Analytical Variables for Human Papillomavirus Primary Screening from Self-Collected Vaginal Swabs. The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics.Performance of a vaginal self-collection device versus clinician collected cervical samples for the detection of high-risk human papillomavirus. Preventive Medicine Reports.A review of the FDA-approved molecular testing platforms for human papillomavirus. Journal of the American Society of Cytopathology.Cervical Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.Key Statistics for Cervical Cancer. American Cancer Society. Read More Details
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