Your HPV self-sampling test is designed to detect high-risk HPV.
Once your sample has been processed, your result will be securely provided through the online patient portal.
Understanding your result can help you know what it means and what steps may come next.
Your sample is processed and tested for high-risk HPV, and any additionally selected STDs using the laboratory's approved testing method.
Once testing is complete, your result is securely released through the online patient portal.
Log in to your patient portal to view your result and information about what it means.
Keep your login information private and secure.
Your result will generally fall into one of the following categories.
High-risk HPV was not detected in your sample.
This means that the high-risk HPV types included in the test were not detected in your sample.
This is reassuring, but it does not mean that you should stop cervical cancer screening.
Continue cervical cancer screening according to the recommendations provided by your doctor or local screening program.
High-risk HPV was detected in your sample.
This does not mean that you have cervical cancer.
A high-risk HPV result means that follow-up may be needed to determine whether there are any cervical cell changes.
Your result could not be successfully reported.
Sometimes a sample cannot be processed, or a valid result cannot be reported.
If this happens, don’t worry. You will receive information about what to do next.
This may include providing another sample.
A high-risk HPV result does not mean you have cancer.
It means that high-risk HPV was detected and that follow-up may be needed to determine whether any cervical cell changes are present.
The exact follow-up pathway can vary depending on:
An HPV screening result does not diagnose cervical cancer. Additional evaluation is needed to determine whether cervical cell changes are present.
Most HPV infections do not lead to cancer. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause cell changes that may eventually lead to cancer if not identified and managed.
An HPV infection can become detectable long after the initial infection, so a positive result cannot tell you exactly when you acquired HPV.
HPV is common and can be shared between partners. In many cases, it is not possible to determine when or from whom an HPV infection was acquired.
An HPV result cannot tell you when the infection was acquired or identify who transmitted it.
Cervical screening is important even when you feel healthy, but screening should not be used to investigate symptoms.
Speak with your doctor if you experience:
Your HPV test result is personal health information. Your result will be provided through the online patient portal and should only be accessed by you and authorized healthcare professionals in accordance with applicable privacy and security requirements.
If you have questions about your result or what to do next, speak with your doctor or a specialist.
Review the self-sampling process from getting your kit to receiving your result.
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