Self-Swab HPV Test for Cervical Cancer Screening

This HPV Test for Cervical Cancer Risk is a qualitative in vitro test for the detection of high-risk Human Papillomavirus. This test detects the high-risk HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68 in self-collected vaginal specimens. Self-collected vaginal specimens, obtained in a healthcare setting, can be tested as an alternative specimen type when cervical sampling is either contraindicated or cervical samples otherwise cannot be obtained.

Early detection is key to prevention and successful treatment of cervical cancer. More than half of new cervical cancers are in women who haven’t been tested in at least 5 years. Plus, 24% of women are not up to date with their cervical cancer screening. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papilloma virus, or HPV.

This test will tell you and your doctor if you have HPV. This could help determine your risk for cervical cancer or help catch it early when it’s most treatable. To increase the number of women who receive this vital screening, the FDA recently approved a new way to collect samples for HPV testing. Before, cervical cancer screening required a healthcare professional to use an instrument called a speculum to access the cervix and gather cells using a brush or broom from the cervix, deep within the vagina. It’s been discovered that cells from the vaginal wall can also be used for testing for HPV, and you can collect the sample yourself, in a healthcare setting, using a soft swab.

No doctor’s visit needed. Buy this self-collection HPV test, visit a nearby Quest location, and get fast results.

Note: This test is for routine cervical cancer screening using professional medical guidelines. Regardless of results, it is important to follow-up with and/or establish care with a healthcare provider to work together on determining next steps.

Sample type: Vaginal swab (patient-collected)
Test type: In Person
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Preparation: In the 3 days prior to self-collection of a vaginal sample, use of vaginal ovules, creams or washes, and vaginal contraceptives or condoms should be avoided. In the 2 days prior to self-collection of a vaginal sample, you should not have sexual intercourse, ultrasound scans, or a gynecological examination. Sample collection during the menstrual cycle has not been evaluated. HPV self-collection is not recommended during pregnancy or in the 3 months after giving birth. During your scheduled appointment time, a Quest Patient Service Representative (PSR) will provide you with a copan FLOQSwab™ that comes in a sealed, protected tube, and instructions for collecting your sample. If you have questions before collecting your sample, you may ask the PSR or call 1-833-700-2423. The help line is open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET. It is closed on weekends and holidays.

This test is for those whom cervical sampling is contraindicated* or a cervical sample cannot otherwise be obtained.

This test may be right for you if:

You are unable or unwilling to undergo a speculum exam / speculum-based sample collection (a speculum is an instrument that healthcare professionals use to access the cervix and gather cells using a brush or broom from the cervix, deep within the vagina)
You prefer a more discreet sample collection option by self-collecting
You have not been tested for HPV within the last 5 years, or you are unsure when you were last tested for HPV

This test may NOT be right for you if:

You are under 21 years of age
You are over 65 years of age and have had adequate negative prior screening results and no history of CIN2+ (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or 3)
You have had a hysterectomy (removal of the cervix) due to reasons not related to cervical cancer or serious precancer
You are currently pregnant or have given birth in the past 3 months
You recently had gynecological surgery
You have unusual bleeding or pelvic pain

This test is not intended to replace clinical examination.

*The FDA says that a contraindication is when a method should not be used because the risk of use clearly outweighs any possible benefit.

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects about 79 million Americans. In fact, nearly all sexually active individuals get at least one type of genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. However, most HPV infections go away on their own without long-term problems. There are many different types of HPV. Most infections go away within 1 to 2 years without causing cancer. Only 12-14 high-risk types cause cervical cancer. This self-collected vaginal swab test will detect high-risk HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 58, 59, 66, and 68.

Most people with HPV never have symptoms and, in most cases, it may go away on its own. HPV that does not go away can cause changes in cervical cells, which can lead to cancer if not treated. Regardless of your results, please discuss any signs and symptoms with your healthcare provider.

Purchaser: You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com.

Patient: This test can be performed on patients between 21 and 100 years old. This test is for individuals with a cervix.

Sample collection: This test requires sample collection at a Quest Diagnostics location. Collection is not available in AZ, HI, or OK.

In the 3 days prior to self-collection of a vaginal sample, use of vaginal ovules, creams or washes, and vaginal contraceptives or condoms should be avoided. In the 2 days prior to self-collection of a vaginal sample, you should not have sexual intercourse, ultrasound scans, or a gynecological examination.

Sample collection during the menstrual cycle has not been evaluated. HPV self-collection is not recommended during pregnancy or in the 3 months after giving birth.

During your scheduled appointment time, a Quest Patient Service Representative (PSR) will provide you with a copan FLOQSwab™ that comes in a sealed, protected tube, and instructions for collecting your sample. If you have questions before collecting your sample, you may ask the PSR or call 1-833-700-2423. The help line is open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET. It is closed on weekends and holidays.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If you have or create a MyQuest® account, you may be able to review your new results there with your other Quest results. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent healthcare providers are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

This self-collected vaginal swab test will detect high-risk HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 58, 59, 66, and 68. As with any medical testing, you should consult with your physician after receiving test results, whether they are positive or negative. If you test positive or have inconclusive results, current guidelines advise that you will still need to undergo traditional cervical collection, and in some cases, may require colposcopy for further evaluation.^1,2,3 It is important to follow-up with and/or establish care with a healthcare provider to work together on determining next steps.

According to the CDC, more than 42 million Americans are infected with types of HPV that are known to cause disease²⁰. Even though most HPV infections go away on their own, some can cause cancer later in life. Testing is important to know if you have this STI.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 150+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

1

Buy a lab test

No doctor visit is required for purchase, but an independent healthcare provider is involved throughout the process.

Shop now

2

Register your test
& schedule an appointment

Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Register your test

3

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

4

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

FAQs

What is the difference between high-risk HPV types and low-risk HPV types?

High-risk HPV types can cause cancer whereas low-risk HPV types can cause genital warts and rarely cause cancer. This test only detects high-risk HPV types.

What happens if I receive a positive test result?

As with any medical testing, you should consult with your physician after receiving test results, whether they are positive or negative.

Is vaginal self-collection as safe and accurate as when my doctor does it?

Yes. According to the CDC, by following the step-by-step collection instructions, patients can properly collect their own samples, with test results that are as accurate when they are collected by a doctor.⁴

How do I collect the sample?

During your scheduled appointment time, a Quest Patient Service Representative (PSR) will provide you with a copan FLOQSwab™ that comes in a sealed, protected tube, and instructions for collecting your sample. Read all instructions before starting to collect a sample. Failure to follow the instructions could affect the test results. If you do not feel comfortable with vaginal self-collection, please contact your doctor. The collection cannot be done by the PSR.

What should I do if I have questions regarding the instructions?

If you have questions prior to performing your self-collection, you may ask the Patient Service Representative (PSR) or call 1-833-700-2423. The help line is open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST. It is closed on weekends and holidays. If you are unable to self-collect, please contact your doctor. The collection cannot be done by the PSR.

Can the Quest Patient Service Representative (PSR) perform the vaginal sample collection?

No, the collection cannot be done by the PSR. It must be done by the patient.

Can I perform a vaginal swab self-collection if I’m on my period?

Sample collection during the menstrual cycle has not been evaluated.

Can I do a vaginal swab self-collection if I am pregnant?

HPV self-collection is not recommended during pregnancy or in the 3 months after giving birth.

What if I accidentally drop the swab or collection tube (or contaminate them in any way)?

Inform the Patient Service Representative (PSR), who will dispose of the contaminated swab and/or collection tube and provide a new one.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Are tests purchased from questhealth.com covered by my health insurance?

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are intended for individuals paying directly—we do not bill insurance, and purchases cannot be submitted for insurance reimbursement.

If your doctor ordered a lab test for you and you are looking to book an appointment for sample collection, you can schedule an appointment here https://appointment.questdiagnostics.com/as-home.

For other questions related to a lab test your doctor ordered for you, including billing and results, you can visit the main Quest Diagnostics site here https://www.questdiagnostics.com.

Our references

ACOG. Cervical Cancer Screening. Accessed May 13, 2025. https://www.acog.org/-/media/project/acog/acogorg/womens-health/files/infographics/cervical-cancer-screening.pdf?rev=2ca474997ed747a5801de351a35c2c3e&hash=B037FB71487B9F31ECB77C833E7A75F7
US Preventive Services Task Force. Final recommendation statement. Cervical cancer: screening. August 21, 2018. Accessed December 20, 2024. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/cervical-cancer-screening
American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. 2024. Updated April 22, 2021. Accessed May 13, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines.html
CDC Preventing Chronic Disease. Self-Collection for Primary HPV Testing: Perspectives on Implementation From Federally Qualified Health Centers. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2023/23_0056.htm
Inturrisi F, Aitken CA, Melchers WJG, et al. Clinical performance of high-risk HPV testing on self-samples versus clinician samples in routine primary HPV screening in the Netherlands: an observational study. Lancet Reg Health Eur. 2021;11:100235. doi:10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100235
Yoda R, Cherne R, Lin J, et al. Validating human papillomavirus self-collection testing as an alternative approach to cervical cancer screening. J Am Soc Cytopathol. 2024;13(5):S25-S26. Accessed February 28, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasc.2024.08.044
Le A, Rohweder C, Wheeler SB, et al., Self-collection for primary HPV testing: perspectives on implementation from federally qualified health centers. Prev Chronic Dis. 2023;20:E93. doi: 10.5888/pcd20.230056
Danan ER, Amundson EC, Gowdy-Jaehnig A, et al. “It feels like health care with the patient in mind”: VA patient and staff perspectives on self-collected HPV testing. Women’s Health Issues. 2024;34(5):518-527. doi:10.1016/j.whi.2024.05.003
Goldstein A, Plafker B, Stamper S, et al. Patient satisfaction with human papillomavirus self-sampling in a cohort of ethnically diverse and rural women in Yunnan Province, China. J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2020;24(4):349-352. doi:10.1097/LGT.0000000000000560
Fontenot HB, Fuzzell L, Brownstein NC, et al. Health care provider willingness to recommend self-collected tests for human papillomavirus: a mixed methods examination of associated factors. Womens Health Issues. 2024;34(5):506-517. doi:10.1016/j.whi.2024.05.005
Quest Diagnostics. HPV DNA (16, 18, Other High Risk), PCR, Vaginal Self-Collected. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://testdirectory.questdiagnostics.com/test/test-detail/14263/hpv-dna-16-18-other-high-risk-pcr-self-collected?p=r&q=14263&cc=PHP
National Cancer Institute Cancer Trends Progress Report. Cervical Cancer Screening. Accessed August 9, 2024. https://progressreport.cancer.gov/detection/cervical_cancer
Subramaniam A, Fauci JM, Schneider KE, et al. Invasive cervical cancer and screening: what are the rates of unscreened and underscreened women in the modern era? J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2011;15(2)110-113. doi: 10.1097/LGT.0b013e3181f515a2
MedpageToday. U.S. Sees ‘Troubling’ Trend in Cervical Cancer Screening Rates. Accessed March 7, 2025. https://www.medpagetoday.com/obgyn/cervicalcancer/114506
CDC Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). About Genital HPV Infection. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-genital-hpv-infection.html#cdc_disease_basics_symptoms-signs-and-symptoms
National Cancer Institute. HPV and Cancer. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer
National Cancer Institute. Cervical Cancer Prognosis and Survival Rates. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/survival
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2030. Increase the proportion of females who get screened for cervical cancer — C-09. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/cancer/increase-proportion-females-who-get-screened-cervical-cancer-c-09
American Cancer Society. Types of HPV. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/hpv/types-of-hpv.html
CDC Human Papillomavirus (HPV). About HPV. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/about/index.html

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

HPV Test for Cervical Cancer Risk (Self-Swab Collection)

HPV is the most common viral STI in the US.