Have questions about HPV, self-sampling, your test, or your results? Find clear answers to some of the most common questions below.
Learn about HPV, how it spreads, vaccination and prevention.
Understand how self-sampling works and what to expect.
Find out what's in the kit, how to use it and return it.
Understand your test results and what they mean.
Learn about follow-up care and why regular screening matters.
Get answers about privacy, the patient portal and more.
HPV self-sampling allows you to collect your own vaginal sample using a provided collection device. The laboratory tests the sample for high-risk HPV.
No. HPV self-sampling and a Pap smear are different screening approaches. Self-sampling is used to collect a vaginal sample for high-risk HPV testing.
No. The test looks for high-risk HPV. It is a screening test and does not diagnose cervical cancer.
Yes. When an appropriate, validated HPV test is used with self-collected samples, HPV self-sampling can be a reliable approach to cervical cancer screening.
You may use the provided space at the lab or take your kit home and collect your sample there.
Most people find HPV self-sampling acceptable and convenient. Some people may experience mild discomfort during collection. Follow the instructions provided with your specific kit and collection device.
The collection process is designed to be quick and simple. Follow the instructions provided with your specific kit and collection device.
Self-sampling provides an additional option for cervical cancer screening. If you prefer provider-collected screening or are unsure which approach is appropriate for you, speak with your doctor or a specialist.
The kit is currently ONLY available at the SLS Main Building in Cay Hill.
[Insert the final kit price confirmed by SLS.]
Each kit includes the following:
Yes. You may take your kit home and follow the instructions to collect your sample.
Return the properly secured biohazard bag containing your completed sample and form to ANY SLS location, based on your convenience.
Samples should be returned within 2 days (48 hours) of collection for best results.
Do not guess or improvise. Follow the instructions provided with your kit and speak with the SLS Cytology Department or your doctor for guidance.
Do not use damaged or incomplete collection materials. Speak with the SLS Cytology Department for assistance before collecting your sample.
Every patient receives their test result(s) exclusively through the online SLS Patient Portal.
Your result(s) will be made available through the online patient portal once your sample has been processed and your result has been released.
It means that high-risk HPV was not detected in your sample. Continue cervical cancer screening according to the recommendations provided by your doctor or local screening program.
It means that high-risk HPV was detected in your sample. This does not mean that you have cervical cancer.
Follow-up may be needed to determine whether any cervical cell changes are present. SLS strongly advises contacting your doctor immediately for follow-up if you have an HPV-positive result.
It means a valid result could not be successfully reported from the sample. You will receive information about what to do next, which may include providing another sample for retesting.
Follow-up will be recommended. The next step depends on your result, screening history, and individual circumstances. Follow the recommendations of your doctor or specialist.
If you have questions about your result or what to do next, speak with your doctor or a specialist.
Follow-up will be recommended to determine whether cervical cell changes are present.
The appropriate next step depends on your result, screening history, and individual circumstances.
Not everyone will need the same follow-up. Your doctor or specialist will determine whether additional testing, such as a Pap smear or another assessment, is appropriate.
A specialist may be recommended depending on your result and the follow-up pathway recommended for you.
No. Follow-up can depend on your HPV result, screening history, health circumstances, and the recommendations of your healthcare provider or local screening program.
Yes. Many HPV infections clear naturally. However, it is important to complete any recommended follow-up even if you feel well.
Follow the recommendations of your doctor or specialist and complete any additional testing or assessment that is recommended.
Screening can identify high-risk HPV and people who may need further assessment before cervical cancer develops.
Regular screening and appropriate follow-up are important parts of cervical cancer prevention.
Screening intervals can depend on your age, screening history, health circumstances, and the recommendations of your local screening program.
Typically, screening is recommended every 3 years; however, speak with your doctor about when you should be screened.
Yes. HPV vaccination does not replace recommended cervical cancer screening.
Cervical cancer is largely preventable through HPV vaccination, appropriate screening, and timely follow-up and treatment.
Speak with your doctor if you have concerning symptoms.
Do not wait for your next screening test if you have symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sex, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, or other changes that concern you.
Your HPV test result is personal health information. Your result is provided through the online patient portal and should be protected according to applicable privacy and security requirements.
Your result(s) are only accessible to you and authorized healthcare professionals according to applicable privacy and security requirements.
Your HPV result is provided exclusively through the online patient portal.
Follow the portal's support instructions or contact the appropriate portal support service.
Do not share your password with anyone.
Email cytology@sls.sx if you need to register for access to your patient portal.
If you have questions about your results or what to do next, speak with your doctor or a specialist, or contact the SLS Cytology Department. We can help connect you with the appropriate resources.
FACT: HPV DETECTED means that high-risk HPV was found. It does not mean you have cervical cancer.
FACT: Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV, including someone with one sexual partner.
FACT: HPV vaccination helps protect against HPV-related disease, but it does not replace recommended screening.
FACT: An HPV test cannot tell you when the infection was acquired or who transmitted it.
A positive HPV result does not mean you have cancer. Follow-up may be needed.
This test looks for high-risk HPV. It does not diagnose cervical cancer.
Recommended follow-up helps find cell changes early when they are treatable.
If you have concerning symptoms, speak with your doctor.
Screening helps identify high-risk HPV and people who may need further assessment.
HPV vaccination helps prevent HPV-related disease, including certain cancers.
Even after vaccination, screening remains an important part of cervical health.
Speak with your doctor about unusual symptoms. Do not wait for your next screening test.
