Vaginal Swab (HPV Primary Screening)

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Testing Laboratory

APS | Mt Wellington

Department

Cytology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

HrHPV

Test Code (Numeric Code)

9646

Laboratory Handling

Transport

Ambient temperature, transport in biohazard bag with the laboratory form in the outside pocket. Community referrers are to transport via regular collections. Hospital referrers are to send to LabPLUS which will be referred to APS for testing.

Test Adds Requirement

If collecting a ThinPrep LBC, an accompanying HPV swab is not required. If both samples are received, only the LBC sample will be tested for both HPV and Cytology screening, with the swab being discarded.

Sample Stability

Once a self-collect swab has been taken it is best practice for it to be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible. If there is a delay in sending the swab to the laboratory, it can be stored either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Swabs MUST be tested within 4 weeks of collection.

Synonyms

High Risk Human Papillomavirus
HPV
Human Papilloma Virus
HPV Primary Screening Swab

Turnaround Time

3 days

100% of HPV swabs reported within 3 working days

Specimen Type

  • Vaginal Swab

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Swab - Viral PCR

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Swab - Viral PCR

Pre-testing Requirements

Refer to the self-collect swab instructions in kit provided by the laboratory.
• Ensure the HPV secondary tube is labelled with a MINIMUM of two patient identifiers.
• Send the secondary tube to the laboratory for testing, the remainder of the kit can be discarded.

If the patient opts to take the HPV self-sampling kit home:
• The patient will need to return the HPV secondary tube to the practice for the sample to be sent to the Anatomic Pathology Service (APS) laboratory for HPV testing.
• Swabs must be tested within 4 weeks of sample collection
• Prior to sending the home collected sample to the laboratory, check the HPV secondary tube is labelled with the correct details for the patient providing the sample.

Note:
• If using a pre-printed patient label for the HPV secondary tube, place along the length of the tube, not covering the cap. Do not wrap the label horizontally around the
tube. Avoid creating a ‘flag’ (where the label sticks out).

Additional Specimen Information

A completed laboratory request form must accompany the sample to the laboratory. A form with insufficient information will delay processing.

Key Information for Cervical Screening requests:
• Requestor Name and HPI CPN (must be an accredited cervical sampletaker)
• Facility and HPI Facility No.
• Sample type and test requested
• Patient eligibility for publicly funded health services
• Patient history and clinical details – as per NCSP Clinical Practice Guidelines

Note:
• For HPV screen-takers, ensure the name and HPI CPN of the responsible clinician who is to receive the results, is on the laboratory form.
• For eOrder and PMS computer forms, check the printout to ensure all patient and requestor details, test and clinical information are clearly indicated.

Last updated: 07/05/2026