Self-collection is now an option for cervical screening
Anyone who is eligible for a Cervical Screening Test can now choose between self-collection or having a sample collected by a healthcare provider.
- A self-collection test uses a long-handled cotton bud to collect your own sample from the vagina. You can take this test in private at the GP clinic or at home. When you book your appointment for cervical screening, ask if self-collection is available at your clinic.
- A sample collected by a GP or nurse involves inserting a speculum to collect cells from the cervix.
Both options are equally safe and effective. Talk to your GP, nurse or Aboriginal Health Worker about which option is right for you.
How to do the self-collection test in four simple steps:
- Twist the red cap and pull out the swab.
- Look at the swab and note the red mark closest to the tip.
- Get in a comfortable position.
- Insert the swab into your vagina, aiming to insert to the red mark.
- Rotate the swab gently one to three times.
- Remove the swab and place back in the tube.
- Return it to your GP, nurse or health worker.
- Contact the clinic for your results in two weeks.
Cervical screening explained – watch our short video
For more information, download the free self-collection wallet card
Questions about cervical screening tests
What is a Cervical Screening Test?
A Cervical Screening Test involves taking a swab of the cervix or vagina to look for signs of HPV. Most cases of HPV clear up on their own and do not require treatment. However, if some types of HPV remain in the body for a long time, they can cause changes to your cells. Doing a cervical screening test every five years from the age of 25 means the GP or nurse can monitor or investigate HPV if needed.
It is recommended that women and people with a cervix have a Cervical Screening Test every five years.
Where can I access self-collection?
You can access self-collection anywhere that you would normally have a Cervical Screening Test, such as a GP clinic or women’s health clinic. When making your appointment, is recommended that you ask if the self-collection option is available at the clinic.
Some people may not be eligible for self-collection, such as those with a previous history of an abnormal test results, or people who are experiencing symptoms. Speak with your GP, nurse or Aboriginal Health Worker to confirm if self-collection is right for you.
Self-collection information for healthcare professionals
From 1 July 2022, the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) will expand screening test options, offering self-collection as a choice to all people participating in cervical screening.
The change means from 1 July 2022 all NCSP participants aged 25-74 years old will have the choice to screen using either a self-collected vaginal sample or a clinician collected sample from the cervix, accessed through a healthcare professional in both cases.
New evidence shows that screening using a self-collected vaginal sample has equivalent sensitivity when compared to a clinician collected cervical sample. A summary of the evidence of the sensitivity of self-collection can be found in the National Cervical Screening Program Clinical Guidelines.
Healthcare professionals continue to play an important role in the National Cervical Screening Program through assessing patient risk and using clinical judgement to recommend testing and follow-up. They are also best placed to talk with their patients about cervical screening to determine the best option of testing for their patients.
A consultation for cervical screening will still need to be offered whether it be for a self-collected vaginal sample or a clinician-collected sample. If self-collection is chosen, healthcare professionals will need to explain how to collect a self-collected sample from the vagina.
Further information about offering self-collection, including eligibility and management of screen-detected abnormalities, can be found in the National Cervical Screening Program Clinical Guidelines.
To guide patients on how to take a self-collected sample from the vagina, you can download or order free hard copies of the Cancer Council SA self-collection postcard.
Watch our information session for health professionals
Information session for health professionals about self-collection for cervical screening funded by Cancer Council SA and Wellbeing SA, delivered in partnership with ShineSA and GPEx
Pathology providers that process self-collected samples
South Australian clinics have the choice between two pathology providers that are currently accredited to process self-collected samples:
We recommend you call your chosen provider ahead of offering self-collection, to order a stock of the swabs (red topped flock swab Copan FLOQswab 552C) and patient education materials, and to clarify sample transport/postage options.
Australian Clinical Labs:
- Phone 1300 111 134
- Both the sample and the pathology request form must be labelled ‘self-collected’. This is due to the sample being suspended in the cell medium.
Clinpath Pathology:
- phone client services: 08 8366 2000
SA Pathology
- Phone 08 8222 3000 and ask to talk to the Cytology Laboratory regarding self-collection.
- Both the sample and the pathology request form must be labelled ‘self-collected’. This is due to the sample being suspended in the cell medium.
VCS Pathology
- phone the clinical advisory service: 03 9250 0309
- samples can be posted via a free postage-paid service, and samples will be valid for 28 days after the sample is taken
- web resources.
More information and professional development
Further information about offering self-collection can be found on the SA Health website.
Free, accredited professional development in self-collection is available for healthcare providers.
Cervical Screening, HPV and Self-Collection: Clinical Education Course
Further information about offering self-collection, including eligibility and management of screen-detected abnormalities, can be found in the National Cervical Screening Program Clinical Guidelines.
More information:
National Cervical Screening Program—additional resources, including HPV and cervical cancer, and resources in other languages
HPV vaccine—Cancer Council Australia resource
National HPV Vaccination Program—who is eligible and how to get the vaccine
Cervical screening—what this means for you
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) and Cancer—DES was taken by some women between the 1950s and 1970s to try and prevent miscarriage and other pregnancy complications. Although the majority of persons exposed to DES, during pregnancy or in utero, will not experience any negative health effects, available research findings indicate that exposure to DES increases the risk of some health problems including some cancers.
This webpage was last reviewed and updated in June 2022.