Test Directory

• High Risk HPV
• HR HPV 16
• HR HPV 18

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is present in 99.7% of cases of cervical cancer. Detection of HPV, particularly the high-risk genotypes associated with cervical cancer is an important component in cervical cancer screening programs. This tests detects high-risk HPV genotypes 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68.

Self-collection of HPV is an available option for individuals over the age of 30 who are due or overdue for HPV screening where barriers exist for obtaining a pelvic exam. This test is not a replacement for traditional cervical cancer screening and should be performed in individuals with symptoms or a history of abnormal cervical screening.

Specimen: Vaginal Swab

Collection Container: ThinPrep vial

Desired Specimen Volume: 10 mL

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 3 mL

Note: Collection Kits containing the appropriate swab, collection container, and instructions should be obtained through HNL Lab Medicine.

PDF of collection instructions: https://www.hnl.com/getmedia/0b9d5acb-9ae3-4668-b290-ccf0a6d430a8/HNLLabMedicine-Resource-Test-CopanFLOQSwab552C_RM-CollectionandSuspensionInstructions_102225.pdf  

Patient Instructions

1. Wash hands with soap and water prior to collecting the specimen. 
2. Twist and pull cap to remove the Swab from the plastic sleeve. 
3. Hold the Swab at the red score mark. 
4. While standing in a comfortable position, use the free hand to spread the skin of the vaginal opening, while carefully inserting the swab up to the red mark. 
5. Gently rotate the swab for 10-30 seconds. 
6. Place the swab back into the tube and return it to a health care professional for processing.

Processing Instructions

1. Carefully uncap the ThinPrep vial and place it on a stable, flat surface.
2. Slowly pull the swab cap off, removing the swab from the tube. Minimize the swab touching the inner walls of the tube.
3. Place the Swab tip into the vial until the swab tip is fully immersed in the medium and touching the bottom of the ThinPrep vial.
4. Swirl the swab along the inner vial wall for 20 seconds while the swab remains immersed.
5. Carefully remove the swab by drawing the swab up the inner vial wall. Keep the tip against the wall to drain off fluid from the swab. Place swab back in tube and discard.
6. Recap the vial and tighten until the lines on the cap and vial meet or slightly overlap.
7. Label with appropriate patient identifiers and submit to the laboratory.

Transport to the laboratory at room temperature. 

• Swabs not resuspended in ThinPrep collection container
• Expired, leaking, or improperly labeled collection containers

• False negative or invalid results may occur with self-collected samples if samples are not suspended in medium after collection.

• High Risk HPV Genotyping
• Human Papilloma Virus Genotyping
• HPV 16, 18