A person can screen themselves for human papillomavirus (HPV) with a home HPV test. Studies suggest that home HPV tests are as accurate as those that doctors provide, but they may not test for all strains of HPV.
According to the
Home HPV tests typically provide a swab so that a person can collect a small sample from their cervix or vagina. They then send the sample back to a laboratory that tests for several high risk strains of HPV.
This article looks at the 4 best HPV tests available online and discusses HPV testing in more detail.
FDA-approved HPV tests
In May 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved self-collection for HPV testing in healthcare settings with a test from Roche Diagnostics. This means that while a healthcare professional must order this test for those who want to test for HPV, a person can collect the sample themselves. This will make testing more accessible and private.
Alternatively, an individual can try an at-home test, which may provide a more accessible option for those with busy schedules or limited access to clinics or health insurance.
However, people should not test for HPV before age 25 years. The
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
The table below compares the five HPV home test kits this article describes.
| Products | One-time purchase price | Sample type | Results turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBD Health | $125 | vaginal swab | 3 to 5 business days |
| Everlywell | $49 | vaginal swab | 5 to 7 days |
| Nurx | $79 without insurance $49 with insurance | vaginal swab | 7 days |
| myLAB Box | $89 | vaginal swab | 2 to 5 days |
Medical News Today chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria where possible:
- Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations. - Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
- Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
- Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
- Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.
People should consider the following factors when choosing an at-home HPV test:
- Collection method: Most tests will only be suitable for females. A person needs to carefully read which collection method a test requires and choose one suitable for their anatomy. Learn about cervical screening for trans women.
- Payment methods: Health insurance is unlikely to cover at-home HPV tests. A person must read the company’s website carefully to see if it accepts their health insurance and whether it accepts FSA and HSA payments.
- Lab certifications: People must prioritize buying tests from companies that use CLIA-certified labs to analyze samples.
- Follow-up advice: Some companies may offer follow-up advice from healthcare professionals. A person may feel more comfortable purchasing a test from a company that offers this service.
Companies that make at-home HPV tests warn that, if possible, people should not use them in place of regular PAP smears or other screenings. Additionally, the
One
A 2019 study also provided insight about urine samples for HPV testing, with researchers reporting that collecting and testing preservative-fixed urine samples may offer a reliable way to screen people who have a higher chance of contracting HPV. However, larger studies are necessary to prove the effectiveness of urine-based HPV testing fully.
If a person receives a positive result from a home HPV test kit, they need to contact a doctor as soon as possible. A healthcare professional can and will conduct additional tests and advise on the individual’s next steps.
Increasing access to testing
Preliminary studies suggest home HPV testing can help improve outcomes for people who otherwise may not be able to receive regular screenings.
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There is no HPV test for men. This is because it can be hard to get a good sample from the penis, and many males will not show symptoms if they have an HPV infection.
A healthcare professional will typically look for visual signs of an HPV infection, such as genital warts.
HPV may not always cause symptoms. However, the
A person may wish to consult with a doctor to undergo regular sexual health screenings to keep on top of their sexual health and any changes they experience to their genitals.
The HPV vaccine
The
Older adults who have not previously received the HPV vaccine may also wish to speak with a doctor about getting vaccinated.
A person may wish to purchase an at-home HPV test if they believe they have or a sexual partner has HPV.
Additionally, an at-home HPV test may be more convenient for those who cannot access an in-person healthcare visit.
At-home HPV tests often require a cervical or vaginal swab.
People need to carefully read the company’s website and test instructions to determine what sample is necessary to test for HPV.
At-home HPV tests may be of similar accuracy to the those a doctor may perform.
However, at-home HPV tests may not test for all strains of HPV. Additionally, a person should not use these tests as a replacement for a Pap smear or other health screenings.
Yes, it is possible to test for HPV at home. People can buy an HPV test from an online testing company such as Nurx or Everlywell.
A more accessible and affordable test is a vinegar test. This can indicate the presence of HPV by turning genital warts white. A person applies a small amount of vinegar to the genital area using a cotton swab. If there are any invisible genital warts present, these will turn white within minutes.
This test is an affordable and accessible alternative to lab HPV tests that scientists developed to help females in developing countries access HPV testing.
The best HPV test is one that tests for a wide range of high risk strains of HPV. The best at-home HPV tests will offer access to a medical team for advice, discreet shipping, and fast turnaround times for results.
There is no rapid test for HPV that can give people results in minutes. People will often have to wait up to a week for their HPV test results.
Several home HPV tests are available that can help detect high risk strains of HPV. However, home tests should not replace routine Pap smear tests or screenings.
A person can order an at-home HPV test online, perform it at home, and send it back to a laboratory to receive their results. The FDA has recently approved self-collection tests that doctors can order for people wanting to test.
People who have a higher chance of contracting HPV may wish to consider getting regular sexual health screenings with a doctor, as not all home HPV tests screen for every strain of HPV.