NHSE London SelfScreen HPV Testing Programme
CSL are working collaboratively with NHSE London to offer self-collected samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing to under or never screened individuals registered at participating GP practices in London.
The NHSE London SelfScreen HPV testing programme is available following approval by the national NHS Cervical Screening Programme and Research, Innovation and Development Advisory Committee (RIDAC). Implementation follows positive results from the YouScreen research study that found increased uptake of cervical screening among women in London when offered cervical self-collection.
Self-sampling allows eligible individuals to take their own sample using a simple swab. The sample is then tested for HPV.
Eligibility and exclusion criteria
Women and people with a cervix may be offered a self-sampling test by a healthcare professional at their GP practice or a participating community setting if they are eligible. This is an opportunistic offer, meaning the test is given during routine contact with services and cannot currently be requested directly.
Eligibility criteria
- Registered with a London GP participating in the HPVSS and at least 6 months overdue screening
- Aged 24.5 years to 64 years or aged 65+ and not screened since age 60
- Not yet met the criteria to be ceased from the programme
Exclusion criteria
- No cervix
- Has had a cervical screening result in the last 3.5 years for those aged 25-49, and 5.5 years for those aged 50-64
- Known to be on an early-recall or test-of-cure pathway
- Known to be pregnant or less than three months after giving birth
- New to the national cervical screening programme (to be eligible for this pathway it must be at least six months since they became eligible for cervical screening in England),
- Ceased/suspended from the national NHS Cervical Cancer Screening Programme in England
Click here to view the Cervical Self-sampling Pathway PDF
Please see below a link to the NHSE London SelfScreen A3 poster, for display in your practice. This can be ordered for your practice via the standard supplies ordering processes.
Click here to view the NHSE London SelfScreen Poster PDF
Self-sampling collection process
The self-sampling process will be explained to you directly by your healthcare professional. In addition, please refer to self-sampling guidance contained within the collection pack instructions for use. Various language versions of these instructions are available using the link below.
View HPV Self-sampling patient collection instructions
Transport
Once collected samples will be transported from your GP practice or community setting to CSL using the established purple bag transport system. Please see Cervical screening samples for further information.
Healthcare professionals and practice teams are reminded to ensure the purple bags are collected by the designated CSL courier to ensure the samples are received promptly.
Request form
The specific NHSE London Self-Sampling request form must be used and generated using the correct HPV Self-Sampling order on T-Quest.
For community settings, the HMR-101 form should be used with the relevant pink sticker identifiable.
Results
Results will be sent through the usual NHS systems to your healthcare provider and, where applicable, directly to you. If HPV is found, you will be invited for a follow-up clinician taken sample.
Further information on how primary care providers and patients receive results can be found here: Cervical screening results.
Further information
For more information about cervical screening and resources for patients and practices, visit: NHS England — London » Cervical screening resources