In Australia, anyone eligible for cervical screening can choose to collect their own vaginal sample for a Cervical Screening Test instead of having a healthcare professional collect a sample from the cervix.
The self-collected sample is tested for human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that causes most cervical cancers. For detecting HPV, self-collection is as accurate as a clinician-collected sample and doesn't require a speculum examination.
There are some important differences between the two options, though. A self-collected vaginal sample can be tested for HPV but can't be examined for cervical cell changes. If HPV is detected, you may need another appointment or further assessment.
Your healthcare provider still needs to order and oversee the test, receive your results and organise any follow-up.
Contents
- What is self-collected cervical screening?
- Who can choose self-collection?
- When isn't self-collection suitable?
- How do you collect your own sample?
- Can you self-collect somewhere other than the clinic?
- Is self-collection as accurate as clinician collection?
- What happens after your results?
- Choosing between self-collection and clinician collection
What is self-collected cervical screening?
A Cervical Screening Test looks for HPV types that can cause cervical cancer.
With self-collection, you use a small swab to collect a sample from inside your vagina. You don't need to reach your cervix and a speculum isn't required to collect the sample.
Self-collection has been available to everyone eligible for routine cervical screening in Australia since 1 July 2022.
Although you take the sample yourself, it isn't an at-home screening test that you organise independently. A healthcare provider orders and oversees the Cervical Screening Test, arranges access to the swab, sends the sample for testing, receives the result and helps organise any follow-up.
What does the test look for?
Both self-collected and clinician-collected Cervical Screening Tests look for oncogenic HPV, which means HPV types associated with cervical cancer.
A self-collected vaginal sample can only be tested for HPV. It can't be used for cytology, which is the examination of cervical cells under a microscope.
This distinction becomes important if HPV is found, because some people who self-collect will need another sample taken directly from the cervix.
Who can choose self-collection?
Under Australia's National Cervical Screening Program, self-collection is available as an option for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 who have ever had sexual contact.
Sexual contact includes more than penetrative vaginal sex. The National Cervical Screening Program includes sexual intercourse, other penetrative sex, oral sex, anal sex and intimate genital skin-to-skin contact.
For most people with no HPV detected, routine cervical screening is recommended every 5 years.
You should still participate in cervical screening if you've had the HPV vaccine. The vaccine provides strong protection against important HPV types but doesn't protect against every HPV type associated with cervical cancer.
If you've had a hysterectomy, your screening requirements depend on the type of surgery and your previous cervical screening or treatment history. Ask your healthcare provider whether you still need screening.
Self-collection can also be an option during pregnancy and for some follow-up HPV testing. Your healthcare provider can advise whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
When isn't self-collection suitable?
Self-collection is designed primarily for cervical screening. It isn't the appropriate test when symptoms need to be investigated.
See a healthcare professional rather than waiting for routine screening if you have symptoms such as:
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- bleeding between periods
- bleeding during or after sex
- any vaginal bleeding after menopause
- unusual vaginal discharge
- persistent pelvic or vaginal pain
Symptoms can have many causes and don't necessarily mean cervical cancer, but they need diagnostic assessment rather than a routine self-collected screening test.
Some people also need a different type of Cervical Screening Test because HPV testing and cervical cell testing are both required.
This can include some people who:
- are undergoing follow-up after treatment for certain cervical abnormalities
- have been treated for a glandular cervical abnormality
- have had a total hysterectomy and a previous high-grade cervical abnormality
- were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth
If you're unsure about your previous results or treatment, your healthcare provider can check your screening history and recommend the appropriate test.
How do you collect your own sample?
Your healthcare provider will give you the correct swab and explain how to use it. Follow the instructions provided with your particular test because swabs and instructions can vary.
The general process is:
- Go somewhere private and remove or lower your underwear.
- Remove the swab from its packaging without touching the sampling end.
- Gently insert the swab a few centimetres into your vagina, according to the instructions supplied.
- Rotate the swab for the specified time, usually around 10 to 30 seconds depending on the swab and instructions.
- Gently remove it.
- Place the swab back into its tube or packaging and seal it.
- Return it as instructed so it can be sent to the pathology laboratory.
You don't need to find or touch your cervix.
The swab may feel slightly uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful. If it hurts, stop and speak with your healthcare provider.
If you drop the swab, touch the sampling end or aren't sure whether you've collected the sample correctly, ask for another swab or some help. You don't need to worry about getting it perfect on the first attempt.
You can also watch the Australian Government's video showing how to take your own Cervical Screening Test sample.
Can you self-collect somewhere other than the clinic?
Yes, potentially.
Many people collect their sample in a private room or bathroom at their healthcare clinic, and this remains the most common arrangement.
However, current National Cervical Screening Program guidance allows self-collection to take place in another setting when the healthcare provider considers it appropriate. This can include arrangements made through a telehealth consultation.
The test still needs to be overseen by a healthcare provider. They need to arrange:
- the pathology request
- how you receive the correct collection swab
- how the sample is returned
- how you receive your results
- any follow-up testing or referral you need
Availability varies between clinics and healthcare providers, so ask what options they offer.
Is self-collection as accurate as clinician collection?
Yes, for HPV detection.
When the PCR-based HPV tests used in Australia's National Cervical Screening Program are used, self-collected vaginal samples are as accurate as clinician-collected cervical samples for detecting HPV.
The important difference isn't the accuracy of the HPV test. It's what else can be done with the sample.
| Self-collected sample | Clinician-collected sample | |
|---|---|---|
| Tests for HPV | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| As accurate for HPV detection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Requires a speculum to collect | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Can test cervical cells from the same sample | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| May require another appointment if HPV is detected | ✅ Yes | Sometimes |
With a clinician-collected sample, the laboratory can usually examine cervical cells from the same sample if certain HPV types are detected. With self-collection, another clinician-collected cervical sample may be needed because the original sample came from the vagina rather than the cervix.
What happens after your results?
Your healthcare provider should explain how and when you'll receive your result and what happens next.
For routine Cervical Screening Tests, more than 90% of people have no cancer-associated HPV detected.
HPV not detected
For most people, no HPV detected means returning to routine cervical screening in 5 years.
HPV 16 or 18 detected
HPV types 16 and 18 carry a higher risk of cervical cell changes.
About 2% of people having routine screening have HPV 16 or 18 detected. If one of these types is found, you'll usually be referred for colposcopy, which is a closer examination of the cervix.
If your original test was self-collected, a cervical cell sample can be taken during the colposcopy.
Another cancer-associated HPV type detected
Around 6% of people undergoing routine screening have another oncogenic HPV type detected, although this varies with age.
If this happens after a self-collected test, your healthcare provider will usually ask you to return so they can collect a sample directly from your cervix using a speculum. The cervical cells are then examined to help determine your risk and what follow-up you need.
If HPV is found, it doesn't mean you have cervical cancer.
HPV is extremely common and many infections clear naturally. Cervical cancer generally develops only when certain HPV infections persist and cause cell changes over time.
Make sure you know how you'll receive your results. If you haven't heard back when expected or don't understand what your result means, contact your healthcare provider rather than assuming no news means everything was normal.
Choosing between self-collection and clinician collection
Both are valid cervical screening options for eligible people.
Self-collection may feel more manageable if you:
- find speculum examinations uncomfortable or painful
- have experienced sexual trauma
- have vaginismus or difficulty with vaginal penetration
- want greater privacy or control over the collection process
- have delayed screening because of anxiety about an examination
The main trade-off is that if certain HPV types are detected, you may need to return for a speculum examination so cervical cells can be collected.
With clinician collection, that cervical cell sample is already available to the laboratory, which may avoid an additional appointment.
If you'd prefer clinician collection but find pelvic examinations difficult, you can talk about this before the examination.
Depending on your circumstances and the clinic, adjustments may include:
- having each step explained before it happens
- bringing a support person
- asking the clinician to stop or pause when you need to
- trying a different position
- using a smaller speculum where appropriate
- asking whether you can insert the speculum yourself
Read our guide to how to talk to a doctor about vaginal concerns for more information about examinations, consent and preparing for an appointment.
Does cervical screening check for other cancers?
No. A Cervical Screening Test is designed to help prevent cervical cancer by detecting HPV associated with cervical cell changes.
It doesn't screen for ovarian, endometrial, vulval or other cancers.
New or unusual symptoms should still be assessed even if your latest Cervical Screening Test was normal.
Ready for your next Cervical Screening Test?
If you're due or overdue for cervical screening, ask your GP, nurse or cervical screening provider about your collection options.
You can choose self-collection if you're eligible, or have a healthcare professional collect the sample. Neither option is the “better” choice for everyone.
The important thing is having access to an option that allows you to participate in cervical screening and receive the follow-up you need.
You can also check whether you're due for screening through the National Cancer Screening Register Participant Portal linked to myGov or ask your healthcare provider to check your screening history.
Related reading
- How to talk to a doctor about vaginal concerns
- Vaginismus: symptoms, causes and treatments
- A guide to female anatomy and the reproductive system
Sources and further reading
- Australian Government: Self-collection for cervical screening
- Australian Government: National Cervical Screening Program
- Australian Government: How cervical screening works
- Australian Government: How to take your own Cervical Screening Test sample
- Cancer Council: Cervical self-collection
This article provides general educational information and isn't a substitute for individual medical advice. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about symptoms, your cervical screening history or which test is appropriate for you.