Get a free at-home HPV test
HPV self-tests are a new way of doing cervical screening.
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Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer. HPV self-tests are a new type of cervical screening. They’re quick and you can do them yourself.
Most people who are eligible for free cervical screening in Aotearoa New Zealand, can get a free at-home HPV test. You can do the test yourself and send it back in a free return envelope.
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Can I get a free at-home HPV test?
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Most people can get a free at-home HPV test sent to them if they:
- are eligible for free cervical screening, and
- are having their first cervical screen, or
- they've had cervical screening before, with normal results
We may need to call you or email you to confirm some details.
Request a free at-home HPV test
If you’ve tested positive for HPV or abnormal cells before, then you’ll need to get a cervical sample instead.
If you want to do an HPV self-test but you’re not eligible for free cervical screening, you’ll need to go to a clinic.
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How does it work?
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- Check if you're eligible for a free at-home HPV test
- Request your test. You’ll get an email when it’s on the way.
If you need to go to a clinic to do an HPV test or a cervical sample we'll email you. - Do your test following the instructions in the envelope.
- Put the smaller (secondary) tube in the return envelope.
- Make sure your laboratory form is in the return envelope.
- Seal the envelope and put in a NZ post box. If you live rurally, put it in your letterbox and put the flag up. Send your test back within 30 days of doing it.
- Wait to get your results. This normally takes around five days.
If your results are normal, you’ll get a text message.
If you test positive for HPV, a nurse will call you. You’ll need to get a cervical sample taken by a nurse or doctor.
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When will I get my results?
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Once the laboratory receives your test, they process it and let us know the results.
We get in touch with you about your results. This normally takes 12 working days. We’ll send you a text if your results are normal or call you to talk about any next steps.
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What if I have HPV?
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Testing positive for HPV doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer.
There are lots of different strains of HPV. Most don’t cause any issues and many clear on their own. But some lead to genital warts. And some cause cell changes in the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer. Cervical screening just helps us catch the ones that need extra follow-up.
If your test shows you have HPV, you’ll need another test so we can check the cells on your cervix. We’ll look at whether there are early cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer. This might be a cervical sample taken in a clinic, or a referral to a clinic where they take a closer look at your cervix (colposcopy).
Do I need to tell people if I've tested positive for HPV?
HPV is very common. You don’t need to tell anyone you have sex with that you have HPV – but you can if you want to.
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Next steps
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Great, you've done your at-home HPV test. Now what's next?
Keep testing!
Cervical screening isn't a one-off thing. Getting regular screening saves lives. Testing should be done every three or five years between 25 and 70.
If your test results are normal, you’ll normally need to test every five years until you're 70.
If your test shows you have HPV, you’ll need to have a cervical sample to see what further tests or treatment you might need.
Depending on your results, you might need to get cervical screening more often, or you might be able to test every five years. But either way, you’ll need to keep screening until you’re 70.
Get vaccinated
The HPV vaccination is also very effective at preventing cervical cancer. You need two or three doses to be fully protected. The vaccination is free for all New Zealand residents aged 9 to 26 – including people with a penis. Getting vaccinated after 27 will cost, but is effective for many people.
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