Guidance

HPV self-testing kits: how to use (Copan)

Published 24 August 2026

Applies to England

Instructions on how to use the Copan HPV self-testing kits provided by the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.

Thank you for requesting a HPV self-testing kit.

This HPV self-testing kit is for your use only and should not be shared with, or used by, anyone else.

Please follow the instructions included with your kit.

If you need extra support (for example, because of a physical or learning disability), call 0300 303 2724.

Do not collect your sample during your period, while pregnant, or within three months of pregnancy or gynaecological surgery. 

Do not collect your sample if you have used vaginal ovules, vaginal contraceptives, creams, washes, lubricants or condoms in the 3 days prior to taking your self-test. 

Do not collect your sample if you are worried about cervical cancer or have any new or unusual symptoms, contact your GP as soon as possible. Symptoms include: 

• Bleeding during or after sex, between periods, or after the menopause 
• Pain during sex 
• Vaginal discharge that is heavier than usual or has an unusual smell 

Do not use your self-test until these symptoms have been investigated. 

Return your self-test within 24 hours after taking your self-test using the return envelope provided. 

If you have not received your results within 14 days, have questions about the self-test, or your kit arrives damaged, call 0300 303 2724.

NHS Cervical Screening Programme

The Copan kit includes

Important 

This kit is being used for a purpose that is different from the HPV test manufacturer’s intended use (“off-label”). This does not mean the HPV test is unsafe or unreliable, but it is being used in another way to that originally specified. In this case, the swab is being sent to people for use at home rather than in a clinic and the laboratory uses a process suitable for self-collected samples.

Before you start 

• Check you have all the items shown in the picture of what is in the kit. If anything is missing or damaged, don’t use the kit. Phone the helpline on 0300 303 2724. 
• Please wash your hands with soap and water before and after you take your self-test. 
• Once you have read the instructions, the self-test will only take a few minutes to complete.

1. Wash hands 

• Please wash your hands with soap and water before and after you take your self-test.

2. Remove cap 

• Hold the tube with one hand and use the other hand to unscrew the cap and pull it off the tube. 
• Keep the tube. You will need it later.

3. Holding the swab 

• Hold the swab at the red line, this will make sure you don’t insert the swab too far. 
• Make sure the swab doesn’t touch anything before you take the self-test. 
• You will be able to feel the red line on the swab.

4. Get in a comfortable position 

• Get in a comfortable position, for example like when inserting a tampon. 
• You can use the self-test kit seated, standing up or lying down.

5. Prepare to insert 

• With your legs apart, gently spread the skin outside your vagina. 
• Point the tip towards your lower back and slowly insert the swab tip 5cm into your vagina (approximately 2 inches, or about the length of the first two joints of your index finger). 
• This is below the red line.

6. Insert the swab 

• If the swab does not slide easily, gently rotate it as you put it in. Your fingers on the red line will stop you going in too far. 
• The end of the swab does not need to touch your cervix. 
• It shouldn’t be uncomfortable but if it is, do not continue. Call the helpline on 0300 303 2724.

7. Gently rotate the swab 

• Rotate the swab stick inside your vagina for 20 seconds. 
• Gently pull out the swab.

8. Return swab to tube 

• Put the swab stick back inside the tube. 
• Push the cap onto the tube until you feel it click.

9. Complete label 

• Using a pen, write the date you took your self-test on the label provided on the back of the SafeTPouch.

10. Prepare your collection tube for postage 

• Place your collection tube into your SafeTPouch. 
• Remove the yellow strip and fold over the top to seal, making sure your tube is inside. 
• Instructions can be found on the front of the SafeTPouch.

11. Insert SafeTPouch into envelope 

• Place the SafeTPouch into the return envelope and seal.

12. Post into a post box 

• Post into any UK post box within 24 hours of taking your self-test.