At Coronado Health Direct Primary Care, your health, comfort, and peace of mind always guide us. That’s why we are excited to now offer self-collection vaginal sample testing for high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus). This means you can collect the sample yourself—privately, comfortably, with dignity, and in a setting you trust—without needing the traditional pelvic exam to begin cervical cancer screening.
Here’s everything you need to know about this service, why it matters, and why we’re proud to offer it to our patients.
Understanding HPV and Cervical Cancer Risk
- HPV is common, especially among sexually active individuals; most people will be exposed to it in their lifetime. While most infections clear on their own, certain high-risk types of HPV (like types 16, 18, 31, etc.) are strongly linked to cervical cancer. womens-health-solutions.bd.com
- Detecting these high-risk HPV types early gives us a powerful way to prevent cervical cancer, by identifying changes before they develop into something more serious.
What Is Self-Collection HPV Testing?
- Self-collection means you gently collect a vaginal sample, in the privacy of a room, using a swab provided by our clinic.
- This sample is then analyzed using the BD Onclarity™ HPV Assay, an FDA-approved test designed to detect high-risk HPV types—and it’s the first FDA-approved test with extended genotyping that allows for self-collection in a healthcare setting. womens-health-solutions.bd.com
- Extended genotyping means the test doesn’t just say “yes/no” for HPV; it can specify which high-risk types are present, allowing for more precise risk assessment and follow-up recommendations. womens-health-solutions.bd.com
Why This Matters
1. Comparable Accuracy to Clinician-Collected Samples
- Research shows self-collected vaginal samples are as accurate as those collected by clinicians when using sensitive HPV assays like BD Onclarity™.
- This means you don’t lose effectiveness in screening by choosing self-collection.
2. More Comfortable, Less Invasive
- The traditional method requires a speculum exam; many patients find it uncomfortable, embarrassing, or anxiety-inducing.
- With self-collection, you avoid the speculum, reducing discomfort and psychological stress while still getting the screening you need.
3. Empowers Choice and Control
- Self-collection gives you more control over your care. You know your body best, and this method lets you participate actively in screening in a way that suits you.
- Studies report that patients appreciate privacy, autonomy, and convenience when offered self-collection options. PMC+1
4. More Accessible, Especially for Underserved Groups
- Around 1 in 4 eligible women in the U.S. are not up to date with cervical cancer screening, often due to barriers such as limited clinic access, transportation, or past negative experiences.
- Self-collection in a healthcare setting (like our clinic, a mobile unit, or a pharmacy) lowers logistical, cultural, and emotional barriers and expands access—especially for underserved, rural, or minority populations. CDC+1
- Communities facing higher rates of cervical cancer, including Black, Hispanic, and American Indian women, may especially benefit from this option.
How It Works with Coronado Health DPC
- At Your Visit
When you come in for your well-woman exam or anytime you’re due for cervical cancer screening, we’ll offer self-collection as an option. - Private, Supported Collection
You’ll receive instructions and the self-collection kit. You can go to the bathroom and collect the sample yourself. If you have questions, our staff will be ready to help. - Accurate Testing with Extended Genotyping
The sample is sent to a lab using the BD Onclarity™ HPV Assay, which will tell us if any high-risk HPV types are detected and specify which ones—giving us the most detailed, actionable information available. - Follow-Up as Needed
If results are negative, we’ll guide you on when the next screening is due, based on current guidelines. If results are positive, especially for high-risk genotypes, we’ll recommend appropriate next steps tailored to your results.
Why We Chose to Offer This Now
- FDA Approval: In May 2024, the FDA approved vaginal self-collection with BD Onclarity™ in healthcare settings—making it a legitimate, regulated, and approved method. womens-health-solutions.bd.com
- Public Health Momentum: Major health organizations and guidelines—including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and American Cancer Society—recognize the importance of HPV testing for cervical cancer prevention. Self-collection increases reach and effectiveness. Prevent Cancer Foundation+1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is self-collection less accurate than clinician-collected samples?
No. When done with sensitive assays like BD Onclarity™, self-collection in a healthcare setting is comparably accurate for detecting high-risk HPV types. womens-health-solutions.bd.com+1
Q: Is this just at home?
Currently, the self-collection option is only approved in healthcare settings—so you’ll collect the sample here, under guidance or privacy, but not at home. Future developments may expand access further. Prevent Cancer Foundation+1
Q: Could I still get a Pap smear instead?
Absolutely. Self-collection is an alternative—not a replacement—for traditional methods. Depending on your risk factors and preferences, we can perform Pap, HPV co-testing, or self-collection.
Q: What if I get a positive result?
A positive high-risk HPV result does not mean you have cancer. It means we need to monitor more closely or perform further evaluation, like colposcopy. We’ll guide you through every step.
Q: Is this covered by insurance?
Because HPV primary testing is part of current screening recommendations, this test is generally covered by insurance when done as part of cervical cancer screening. If you don’t have insurance, the self-pay rate of the test is just $100.
Final Thoughts
Cervical cancer is largely preventable when we screen early and consistently. Self-collection HPV testing gives you a more private, less invasive, and equally accurate option to take control of your reproductive health.
At Coronado Health Direct Primary Care, we believe in care that adapts to you—your comfort, your needs, and your life. If you’ve been delaying screening, avoid pelvic exams, or have faced obstacles, self-collection might be a great way to get back on track.
Learn more at your next visit—or call our office with any questions. We’re here for you, every step of the way.
References (Optional Reading)
- BD’s FDA-approved Onclarity™ HPV Assay and self-collection details. womens-health-solutions.bd.com
- CDC study on self-collection for HPV: accuracy, acceptability, implementation. CDC
- Health communications explaining benefits of self-collection screening. Prevent Cancer Foundation
- Research studies on acceptability and performance of vaginal self-collection. PMC+1