Guidance

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

Published 24 August 2026

Applies to England

Instructions on how to use the Hologic 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 Hologic kit includes

Safety information

Keep out of the reach of children. Do not swallow the liquid in the collection tube. If the liquid is swallowed or comes into contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and contact NHS 111 or a healthcare professional for advice. If symptoms are severe or you are concerned, seek urgent medical attention.

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 components

• Remove the swab and tube from the clear outer packaging.

3. Remove lid

• Remove the lid from your tube. Place both the lid and the tube down on a flat surface.
• Liquid is present and should not be spilt.

4. Remove swab

• Open the swab package carefully without touching the soft tip.
• Do not put the swab in the collection tube before you take the self-test.

5. Holding the swab

• Hold the swab at the black 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 black line on the swab.

6. 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.

7. 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 black line.

8. 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.

9. Gently rotate the swab

• Rotate the swab stick inside your vagina for 10-30 seconds, making sure it touches the walls of your vagina.
• Gently pull out the swab.

10. Insert swab into tube

• Place your swab into the tube with the soft tip facing the bottom of the tube.
• Do not spill any of the liquid from inside of the tube.

11. Snap the swab inside the tube

• With the black line at the rim of the tube, bend the swab until it snaps.
• You will be able to feel the black line on the swab.
• The swab should be in the tube.

12. Screw lid back on tube

• Screw the lid of the tube back on tightly and place the tube into the packaging to keep it safe.
• If the liquid is spilt, do not return the self-test. Call the helpline on 0300 303 2724.

13. Complete label

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

14. Prepare your collection tube for postage

• Insert the tube, with the swab inside, 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.

15. Insert SafeTPouch into envelope

• Place the SafeTPouch into the return envelope and seal.

16. Post into a post box

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