How a Self-Swab Can Now Screen for Cervical Cancer

Screening for cervical cancer is a critical step in protecting women's health, but for many, the process of having a medical professional take a cervical swab can feel uncomfortable or even intimidating.

Fortunately, recent advancements in testing now allow people to take a human papillomavirus (HPV) test themselves using a self-swab, all within the privacy and guidance of a clinical setting. This blog explains how the self-screening option not only offers a more comfortable alternative but also empowers individuals to take charge of their health with greater ease and confidence. 

We speak to Alea Rogers, MSN, a licensed nurse practitioner in women’s health at INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology South Madison, to learn more.

"Self-swab HPV testing is a groundbreaking advancement in health care, making cervical cancer screening more accessible and less intimidating for women,” Rogers says.

“Many individuals may avoid traditional pelvic exams due to fear, discomfort or personal and cultural concerns. By providing a private and convenient alternative, self-swabbing empowers more women to take charge of their health without the vulnerability of a pelvic exam. This innovation has the potential to increase screening rates, especially in underserved communities, ultimately leading to earlier detection and improved health outcomes."

Rogers also notes that even if you are not due for cervical cancer screening, you should still see your OBGYN regularly for birth control counseling, vaccinations, health screenings, pre-pregnancy care and the latest information about your reproductive health. 

How is the HPV test typically done?

Catch up quick: An HPV test detects the presence of high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can cause changes in cervical cells and lead to cervical cancer. The test plays a crucial role in early detection and prevention because identifying these high-risk HPV types allows doctors to monitor and treat abnormal cell changes before they progress. A doctor typically performs an HPV test by using a small brush or swab to collect a sample of cervical cells during a pelvic exam.

The standard physician-collected HPV test is a well-established method for screening cervical cancer. 

• During the procedure, your doctor uses a speculum (an instrument that gently separates the vaginal walls) to gently open the vaginal canal, allowing access to the cervix.
• Once the cervix is visible, a small, soft brush or spatula collects a sample of cells from the cervix's surface.

The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. 

• Technicians test the sample for high-risk strains of HPV, which are linked to the majority of cervical cancer cases.
• If high-risk HPV strains are detected, follow-up tests, such as a pap smear or colposcopy, may be recommended.

What is the self-swab HPV test?

Key points: The self-swab test for HPV testing is a simple and convenient way for people to collect cervical cell samples on their own within a clinical setting to ensure accuracy and proper handling of the sample. It involves a sterile swab or brush that is used to collect cells from the cervix. This method eliminates the need for a speculum or a traditional pelvic exam.

In 2024 the FDA approved two self-swab collection tests for cervical cancer screening, marking a significant advancement in health care accessibility. 

• This allows people to collect their own vaginal samples in a health care setting for testing HPV if they can’t or don’t want a traditional pelvic exam.
• The self-collection method is designed to reduce barriers to screening, such as discomfort, embarrassment or limited access to health care, which often prevent individuals from undergoing regular cervical cancer tests.

As part of the collection, you’re provided with a sterile swab or brush and clear instructions on how to use it. 

• Swabs, with their soft, bristled tips, allow for efficient absorption of cells, while small brushes are similarly designed.
• The swab or brush is gently inserted into the vagina to collect a sample of cells from the cervix.
• Afterward, the swab is securely placed in a designated container and handed to health care staff for analysis.

One of the key parameters is that the test is performed in a clinical setting (primary care offices, urgent care, pharmacies, mobile clinics, etc.) where trained staff can provide guidance and ensure the sample is preserved and transported properly for laboratory testing.

• Self-swabbing is designed to be accurate and user-friendly, allowing patients to play an active role in their health screenings without sacrificing the reliability of the results.

What are the benefits of a self-swab HPV test?

What to know: The new self-swab HPV test offers a more convenient and comfortable alternative to traditional screenings by empowering people to take control of their health while maintaining accuracy and reliability in detecting high-risk HPV types.

Improved accessibility to cervical cancer screening is the biggest key, especially for those in remote or underserved areas with limited access to health care providers or clinics. 

• By allowing individuals to collect samples in health care settings or potentially at home, these tests remove logistical barriers such as long travel distances or scheduling appointments.
• Currently, nearly 30 percent of eligible people with a cervix in the U.S. don’t get screened for cervical cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
• Each year, about 11,500 Americans are diagnosed with cervical cancer.
• Half of these new cases are from people who didn’t receive screenings or were inadequately screened.

Enhanced privacy and comfort allows people to feel more comfortable.

• Feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed during pelvic exams can deter regular screening.
• Self-swabbing allows people to collect their samples discreetly, reducing the anxiety often associated with traditional in-office procedures.

Convenience plays an important role, as self-swabbing is generally faster compared to scheduling and undergoing an appointment with a physician. 

• It requires less time, enabling people with busy schedules or caregiving responsibilities to prioritize their health without additional disruptions.

Reduced barriers to participation are addressed by self-swab kits.

• Certain populations may avoid clinician-collected tests due to cultural beliefs or sensitivity about physical exams.
• People with a history of medical or personal trauma may feel more comfortable with self-collection.
• Self-swab tests make participation feasible for those without consistent or affordable access to medical services.

Self-swab kits have a comparable reliability.

• Studies indicate when following the proper technique under clinical guidance, the reliability of self-collected samples closely aligns with clinician-collected samples. 

Performing the collection on your own can encourage you to follow regular screening schedules by simplifying the process and reducing psychological or logistical hurdles. 

• This could lead to earlier detection of abnormalities and a decrease in cervical cancer cases over time.

Cost effectiveness helps both providers and those in need who previously could not afford the screening.

• Since self-swab tests save on the need for a clinician to perform the collection, they may also result in cost savings for both health care systems and patients, particularly in areas with stretched medical resources.

Who needs HPV screening?

The bottom line: The American Cancer Society recommends screenings for cervical cancer starting at age 25 and should continue every five years for women ages 25 to 65.

For anyone 25 and older with a cervix, the recommendation is to be screened for cervical cancer every five years.

• While the preferred method is a primary HPV test every five years, an HPV/pap co-test every five years or a pap test every three years is also acceptable.

What about at-home HPV testing?

The latest: A testing kit called the Teal Wand is an innovative at-home HPV testing device designed to allow individuals to collect their own cervical samples privately and conveniently. 

As of February 2025, the Teal Wand, an at-home HPV testing device, has been submitted to the FDA for approval following its completion of clinical trials. 

• The device received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in May 2024, which prioritizes its review process due to its potential to address significant public health needs.
• The clinical trials demonstrated strong performance and user preference, with 94% of participants favoring the at-home option over traditional methods.

Next steps: Ask your primary care provider if a self-swab HPV test may be right for you.

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