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A person can test themselves for human papillomavirus (HPV) with a home HPV test. Studies suggest that home HPV tests are as accurate as tests that doctors provide, but they may not test for all strains of HPV.
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.
A quick look at the best at-home HPV tests
- Best for customer support: LetsGetChecked | Skip to Review
- Best affordable option: Everlywell | Skip to Review
- Best for payment options: Testing.com | Skip to Review
- Best experience: myLAB Box | Skip to Review
- Best for quick results: iDNA | Skip to Review
This article discusses everything to know about at-home HPV testing, including which brands are available, how accurate the tests are, and when to contact a doctor.
According to the
A person can contract HPV through skin-to-skin contact, often through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, with someone who has the virus.
According to the CDC, 9 out of 10 cases of HPV will go away on their own within 2 years.
However, when HPV does not clear up on its own, it may cause several types of cancer. These include:
A person can go to a doctor’s office to receive testing for HPV. They can also get a vaccination against HPV.
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.
Medical News Today does not rank these products in any order and does not recommend one product over another. A person should choose the product that best fits their needs.
Additionally, 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
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.
There are several companies offering home HPV tests.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for customer support: LetsGetChecked
- Collection method: This product requires a cervical swab.
- Results time: People will receive their results within 21 days of sending the sample.
- Price: This product costs $89.
LetsGetChecked offers several home tests, including a test for HPV and various tests for several other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
This home HPV test looks for several high risk strains of HPV.
The kit includes a cervical swab and packaging that a person can use to send their test back to the company on the same day.
People who need to test regularly for HPV can choose the subscribe and save option for around $62 to receive a testing kit every 3 months.
The company accepts health savings account (HSA) payments, and customers should receive their results within 21 days of receipt of a sent sample.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked.
Best affordable option: Everlywell
- Collection method: This product requires a vaginal swab.
- Results time: People will receive their results within days of sending the sample.
- Price: This product costs $49.
According to its website, Everlywell offers an at-home HPV test that looks for 14 high risk strains of HPV.
A person can order a home HPV test on the company’s website. The service then sends the test through the mail after a doctor has reviewed and accepted the individual’s order.
If the healthcare professional does not think an HPV test is suitable for a particular person, they will notify Everlywell, and the company will issue a refund.
A person can follow the instructions in the test kit to collect their vaginal swab sample before sending it back to Everlywell through the mail.
The company then sends the results to the doctor who approved the test. The customer can check the test results via the secure Everlywell platform. They can choose to share their results with a doctor if they would like further advice.
Everlywell’s test kit costs $49, and the company offers a membership plan that individuals can join for around $25 per month.
Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off.
Best for payment options: Testing.com
- Collection method: This test requires a cervical swab or urine sample.
- Results time: People will receive their results within 3–4 days.
- Price: This test costs $99.
Testing.com offers a variety of home test kits to screen for several STIs, including HPV. Females take a sample from their cervix, while males take a urine test.
According to the company, the tests check for the most common forms of high risk HPV that may develop into cancer.
To order the test, a person selects the test they need and the laboratory they wish to use.
After paying for the test online, an individual can choose to visit their local laboratory or receive a test kit through home delivery.
According to the company, a person should receive their test kit in the mail within 3–4 business days, and after collecting their sample, they should mail their test to their chosen lab. The laboratory then sends the results via email.
The HPV test from Testing.com starts from $99. A person may use their HSA but may not be eligible to claim through their private health insurance.
Best experience: myLAB Box
- Collection method: This test requires a swab collection.
- Results time: People will receive their test results within 2–5 days.
- Price: This test costs $89.
myLAB Box produces this HPV home test kit for females aged 30 years and older. The company recommends individuals take a test even if they received a vaccination for HPV.
The kit involves a swab collection method, which reportedly only takes 5 minutes to complete at home. An individual can then use the prepaid envelope to send their sample to the company’s lab.
myLAB Box issues test results within 2–5 days and offer free phone consultations for those wishing to discuss their results with a doctor.
The HPV test costs $89, which includes free shipping. However, it is not currently available to people who live in New York.
Best for fast results: iDNA
- Collection method: This test requires a vaginal swab or a urine sample.
- Results time: iDNA does not state when a person will receive their test results.
- Price: This test costs $88.
iDNA’s HPV home test kit arrives in discreet packaging and includes easy-to-follow directions.
According to the company website, it is 99.9% accurate with urine sample collection for males and a vaginal swab for females.
Individuals log into a secure online portal, which allows them to view and download their results at any time. They can also share the results with a doctor if they wish to discuss them further.
Those who receive a positive result are also eligible to take another test at no additional cost.
The table below compares the five HPV home test kits this article describes.
| Test | LetsGetChecked | Everlywell | Testing.com | myLAB Box | iDNA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Why we chose it | best for customer support | most affordable | best for payment options | best experience | best for fast results |
| One-time price | $89 | $49 | $99 | $89 | $88 |
| Type of collection | cervical swab | vaginal swab | cervical swab and urine test | cervical swab | urine sample and vaginal swab |
| Results | within 2–5 days | within a few days | within 3–4 business days | within 2–5 days | claims to provide quick results |
People may wish to check the following when choosing an at-home HPV test:
- Collection method: Some tests may only be suitable for use by females. People should carefully read which collection method a test requires and choose one that is suitable for their anatomy.
- Payment methods: Health insurance is unlikely to cover at-home HPV tests. A person should read the company’s website carefully to see if their health insurance is accepted, and whether the company accepts FSA and HSA payments.
- 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.
To use a test kit correctly, a person can follow the instructions within the test kit they purchased.
Additionally, LetsGetChecked includes specific instructions on its website, indicating the days a person should take the test.
For example, it states that an individual should only take the test:
- on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
- 48 hours after sexual intercourse or using vaginal creams, gels, or tablets
- when they are not on their period
However, other companies offering tests, such as Home Testing Centers, do not specify the days an individual should take the test.
HPV tests check for the presence of HPV. 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.
In one 2019 study, researchers found that collecting and testing urine samples may also offer a reliable way to screen at-risk populations for HPV.
However, larger studies are still necessary to fully prove the effectiveness of urine-based HPV testing.
Preliminary studies suggest home HPV testing can help improve outcomes for people who otherwise may not be able to receive regular screenings.
One 2016 study concludes these tests were as accurate as the tests that doctors or medical clinics administer.
However, at-home HPV tests do not test for all strains of HPV. In addition, according to the
That said, a
A
These factors include:
- convenience
- cost-effectiveness
- privacy
- ease of use
However, 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.
People can expect to receive either a negative or positive HPV test result.
Negative result
If a person receives a negative result, and they do not have any symptoms, it is unlikely that they have HPV. A healthcare professional will advise a person on when they should retest.
If a person receives a negative test result but is experiencing HPV symptoms, such as small, raised warts on and around the genitals, they may wish to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional may recommend undergoing another test.
Positive result
If a person receives a positive test result, they should contact a doctor for the next steps.
While there is no cure for HPV, medical professionals may be able to offer treatment for genital warts.
A person may wish to consult with a doctor to undergo regular sexual health screenings.
HPV may not always cause symptoms. However, the
The
Older adults who have not previously received vaccination against HPV may also wish to speak with a doctor about getting vaccinated.
If a person receives a positive result from a home HPV test kit, they should contact a doctor as soon as possible. A healthcare professional will conduct additional tests and advise on the individual’s next steps.
Below are some common questions about at-home HPV tests.
What is HPV?
HPV is an
Most cases of HPV clear up on their own. However, in some cases, the virus can lead to cancer.
Why would I need an at-home HPV test?
A person may wish to purchase an at-home HPV test if they believe they 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.
How is an HPV test done?
At-home HPV tests often require a cervical or vaginal swab for females. Companies may require urine samples from males.
People should carefully read the company’s website and test instructions to determine what sample it requires to test for HPV.
How accurate are the results of an at-home HPV test?
The studies quoted above suggest that at-home HPV tests are of a similar accuracy to the tests 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.
HPV is an STI that does not always exhibit symptoms. Without treatment, some strains can lead to cancer. There are several home HPV tests available that can help detect high risk strains of HPV. However, it is crucial to remember that these 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.
Health experts claim that home HPV testing may help expand access to important sexual health screenings.
People at risk of contracting HPV may wish to consider getting regular sexual health screenings with a doctor, as not all home HPV tests screen for every type of HPV.