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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.
According to the
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.
A person can also 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.
- Best for follow-up support: TBD Health | Skip to Review
- Best affordable option: Everlywell | Skip to Review
- Best for individuals with insurance: Nurx | Skip to Review
- Best for fast results: myLAB Box | Skip to Review
- Best for males and females: iDNA | Skip to Review
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.
Medical News Today’s methodology
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 follow-up support: TBD Health
- Collection method: vaginal swab
- Results time: 3–5 business days
- Price: $79
TBD Health offers a home HPV test and a physical sexual health clinic in Las Vegas. The test looks for several high risk strains of HPV, and people can discuss positive and negative results with TBD Health’s clinical team. The company also offers unlimited messaging with the clinical team in relation to the test. If necessary, the team can prescribe medication.
TBD Health ships the kit in discreet packaging and free of charge. It includes a vaginal swab, tube, biohazard bag, and a prepaid shipping label a person can use to send their sample to the lab.
The HPV test kit is not currently available for New York residents.
People who need to test regularly for HPV can choose several subscribe and save options, including:
- monthly: $63 per kit
- every 3 months: $67 per kit
- every 6 months: $75 per kit
- eco-friendly: minimum purchase of three kits for 10% off each kit
Best affordable option: Everlywell
- Collection method: vaginal swab
- Results time: 5–7 days
- Price: $49
According to its website, Everlywell offers an at-home HPV test that looks for 14 high risk strains of HPV.
The service sends tests through the mail after a doctor has reviewed and accepted the customer’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 must follow the instructions in the test kit to collect their sample before mailing it to Everlywell. The company then sends the results to the doctor who approved the test.
A person’s results will be available on the company’s secure online platform. They can choose to share their results with a doctor if they would like further advice.
Everlywell offers a semi-annual subscription for 15% off test kits. People can also use flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA) to pay for their at-home test.
Best for individuals with insurance: Nurx
- Collection method: vaginal swab.
- Results time: 7 days.
- Price: $79 without insurance or $49 with insurance
Nurx is a telemedicine company that offers home testing kits, birth control, and emergency contraception.
According to the company, the test checks for the 14 most high risk strains of HPV that may potentially develop into cancer.
A person can order the test online by answering a few health questions and paying a $15 consultation fee. This $15 fee includes unlimited messaging with Nurx doctors for a year.
A person can pay with a credit card, or the company can bill a person’s insurance provider. The test ships free of charge in discreet packaging. However, it is not currently available in all 50 U.S. states.
A member of the Nurx team will discuss a person’s results with them.
The HPV test from Nurx costs $49 with insurance and $79 without insurance, plus the $15 consultation fee.
Best for fast results: myLAB Box
- Collection method: vaginal swab
- Results time: 2–5 days
- Price: $89
This myLAB Box HPV home test kit is for females ages 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 claims to issue test results within 2–5 days and offers 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 males and females: iDNA
- Collection method: vaginal swab or urine sample
- Results time: 2–7 days
- Price: $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.
To view and download their results, individuals log into a secure online portal. People 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 HPV test costs $88 which includes free first-class shipping.
The table below compares the five HPV home test kits this article describes.
| Test | Why we chose it | One-time purchase price | Sample type | Results turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBD Health | best for customer follow-up support | $79 | vaginal swab | 3–5 business days |
| Everlywell | most affordable | $49 | vaginal swab | 5–7 days |
| Nurx | best for people with insurance | $79 without insurance $49 with insurance | vaginal swab | 7 days |
| myLAB Box | best for fast results | $89 | vaginal swab | 2–5 days |
| iDNA | best for males and females | $88 | urine sample for males vaginal swab for females | 2–7 days |
In one 2019 study, researchers found that collecting and testing preservative-fixed urine samples may offer a reliable way to screen at-risk populations for HPV. Larger studies are necessary to fully prove the effectiveness of urine-based HPV testing.
Additionally, the
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.
Increasing access to testing
Preliminary studies suggest home HPV testing can help improve outcomes for people who otherwise may not be able to receive regular screenings.
One
Additionally, a
An
These factors include:
- convenience
- cost-effectiveness
- privacy
- ease of use
Pros
- At-home tests may be more convenient than visiting a doctor’s office.
- They may allow more people to access HPV testing.
- People may consider them less invasive.
- Pricing is clear as there are typically no hidden doctor or laboratory fees.
- Some research suggests these tests may be as reliable as doctors’ tests.
Cons
- A person may interpret their results without guidance from a doctor.
- Not all companies offer follow-up advice or care.
- Health insurance does not typically cover the cost of at-home tests.
- If a person receives a positive result, they will need to contact their doctor and may have follow-up testing.
People should consider the following factors when choosing an at-home HPV test:
- Collection method: Some tests may only be suitable for 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.
- Lab certifications: People should prioritize buying tests from companies that use CLIA-certified labs to analyze samples.
- 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.
People should not test for HPV before the age of 25. The
To use a test kit correctly, a person should follow the instructions on the test kit they purchased.
Companies may require people to wait 48 hours to take the test if they have had sexual intercourse or used vaginal creams, gels, or other treatments. Some brands also ask people to take the test on certain days of the week.
People can expect to receive either a negative or positive HPV test result. They should discuss their result with a doctor regardless of the outcome.
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 the HPV vaccine 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 answers to some common questions about at-home HPV tests.
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 is required to test for HPV.
How accurate are the results of an at-home HPV test?
At-home HPV tests may be of 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.
How do I know if I am positive for HPV?
HPV does not always cause symptoms. However, the
A person with HPV who tests for the condition should receive a positive test result, which they should discuss with a healthcare professional.
How does vinegar test for HPV?
A vinegar test can indicate the presence of HPV by turning genital warts white. A person applies a small amount of vinegar to the genital area using a cotton swab. If there are any invisible genital warts present, these will turn white within minutes.
This test is an affordable and accessible alternative to lab HPV tests that scientists developed to help females in developing countries access HPV testing.
Can I just do an HPV test instead of a Pap smear?
At-home HPV tests should not replace a person’s regular Pap smear test.
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, 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.