Fraud Blocker

Search

More results...

Generic filters
Search in title

HPV Testing

Overview
Process
Treatment
Aftercare
FAQs
Fees
Contact Us
About HPV

Window Period. 4 weeks

Sample(s) required

F: cervical, +/- oral/rectal swab
M: penile, +/- oral/rectal swab

Biological Marker. DNA

Accuracy. Approx. 99.9%

This depends on the sample quality. The presence of the virus in the sample can be intermittent due to viral shedding itself being intermittent.

Time for test results. 7 working days

Locations. London, Birmingham & East Midlands

Cost of test.

F: £250 (inc. consultation) + £200(ea) for oral/rectal HPV test

M: £350 (inc. consultation) + £200(ea) for oral/rectal HPV test

HPV test for oral/rectal: £250 (inc. consultation) or £200 if taken with another test

Although genital warts are a common infection in the UK, testing for HPV has been mainly limited to specialist gynae-oncology practices.

As such, the diagnosis and management of genital warts is often presumptive and can have an extreme psychological impact, difficulty in one’s relationships as well as the development of troublesome lesions and possible cancers.

Recent advances in molecular diagnostics allows us to provide greater insight to those faced with problems of HPV and Genital warts. In turn, this has made for a massive difference in the well being, relationships and sexual health of our patients.

HPV Types detected

Low risk types
6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61 & 70

High risk types
16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 26, 35, 39, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 69, 73 & 82

Same Day Appointments Available

Specialist & Friendly Professionals

Discreet & Confidential Service

The Process

Questionnaire

In order to be most prepared and leave plenty of time for questions & discussions, we will ask you to fill out a simple questionnaire.

Consultation

We will begin by assessing your medical & sexual history, any symptoms you may be experiencing and discuss any questions you may have.

Sample Collection

If it is still appropriate to proceed with the HPV test (and you would like to), we will take a swab from the appropriate areas.

HPV Management

If your results are positive, we can offer you treatment and advice on communicating your results to your partner(s).

Book an appointment

We follow guidelines set by

Medicine is a complicated subject and sometimes these guidelines don’t always hold the answers.

For example, treating an STI in a patient who has developed a resistance to routinely used antibiotics.

Unlike most private clinics, we have medical consultants here to help you navigate through such problems and get you on the right track in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

From what age can I start testing for HPV?
K
L

Testing before 25 is not very cost-effective. Younger women who have HPV are able to clear the virus quite quickly. Cervical cancer is very rare in this age group. Testing before 25 may also lead to unnecessary worry and treatment which is not needed.

However, if you are experiencing symptoms or noticing changes in the skin or mucosa (the lining of various cavities within the body, such as the mouth), you should speak with your healthcare provider to see if HPV testing is an option you can consider.

Can men also get tested for HPV?
K
L

Yes. Men can be tested for HPV. However, this is available only with specialist clinicians who understand the nuances of this test, it's appropriate use and the correct interpretation of the results.

Please note that we charge £350 for male HPV testing. This is because we use a different lab for these samples, ensuring more consistent results, with fewer sample rejections.

Some of the reasons for lack of testing of HPV in men include:

  • Diagnostic companies have focused their HPV tests on the female markets because of HPVs role in cervical cancer
  • It can be difficult to obtain the right quality sample from men, especially as a simple urine sample does not have the adequate cellular material and few labs offer this test.
  • Routine HPV screening before symptoms show is not routinely recommended for anal, penile, throat cancers in men.

You can read some of the studies published documenting the use of HPV DNA testing in men here: Study 1, Study 2 and Study 3.

About The Test

How do you test for HPV?
K
L

Before carrying out the HPV test, we will first conduct a thorough consultation, discussing your sexual and general medical history, any symptoms or concerns you may have, as well as an examination (if appropriate).

Based on this, the clinician will recommend which tests are appropriate for you, and samples can be taken during the same appointment.

It is essential to get a good quality sample when testing for HPV.

For men

We will ideally require a swab from an area of sub-preputial moisture or wetness. For men without a foreskin (or with rather dry glans and coronal sulcus) can be wet-swabbed (i.e. the swab is dipped in a liquid before swabbing).

The failure rate for male samples is currently 1 in 20. If your sample fails, you will be contacted for a repeat sample. This is nothing to worry about and is in line with laboratory procedures. In order to help increase the amount of cellular material taken from your genital area, we recommend not taking a shower or bath before your appointment.

We may also take a throat/anal swab as and where appropriate.

For women

We require a high vaginal swab +/- throat/anal swab.

When should I get tested for HPV?
K
L

You may like to know your HPV status if:

  • You are concerned about being a HPV carrier (no symptoms, possible warts contact, abnormal smears in you or your partner)
  • You have non-specific lesions but are worried about HPV and warts.
  • You have suspected, or confirmed, genital warts but would like to know their HPV status
  • You are a partner of those who have suspected, or confirmed genital, warts and would like to know the types of HPV they have.
  • You have had abnormal smear test results.

What is the window period for HPV?
K
L

We recommend waiting approx. 4 weeks before getting tested for HPV.

Will I need a physical examination?
K
L

We recommend that your clinician takes the sample (especially in men) to ensure enough cellular material.

Furthermore, if you are also concerned about genital warts, then a physical examination may assist with diagnosis and treatment.

What types of HPV do you test for?
K
L

HPV Low Risk Types: 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61 and 70.

HPV High Risk Types: 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 26, 35, 39, 51, 52, 53, 56, 57, 58, 59, 66, 68, 69, 73 and 82.

Is there an antibody test for HPV?
K
L

HPV antibody tests are used for research purposes and in evaluation of HPV vaccine efficacy. They are not currently available in clinical practice.

How is your HPV test different to what I would get in the NHS?
K
L

There are two key differences:

1. We test for Low and High risk types of HPV.

2. We can tell you which exact type of HPV is positive.

How can I prepare for my appointment?
K
L

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for your appointment:

  • Try to remember (as much as possible) the details of why you are visiting. For example, if you are showing symptoms, try to remember when these started and the potential cause of exposure.
  • Avoid applying any creams before your visit so that we can take an accurate swab of the tissue.
  • (For male patients) We recommend not showering before your appointment to ensure enough cellular material.
  • Relax, Clarewell Clinics is a safe space. Your medical history with us is completely confidential so you can be as open and honest as you wish to be with us.

Is my HPV test confidential?
K
L

Yes. Everything you share with us is confidential, including your test results.

We will not share anything with the NHS or anyone else, unless you wish for us to do so.

About The Results

How will I receive my HPV test results?
K
L

You can receive your HPV test results by either text or email.

What do my HPV test results mean? (For Women)
K
L

The examples included below are generic steps that may be taken when you receive your HPV results. It is important to follow the advice and instructions of your healthcare provider.

HPV is a complicated and ever changing condition and it may not always mean the same thing across individuals.

Therefore it is important to talk to your healthcare provider and figure out what your results mean to you, and how they will affect your life going forward.

Low risk HPV

High risk HPV

Negative result

Reassuring! Time to move on with your life. Repeat the test within another 3-5 years.

Reassuring! Time to move on with your life. Repeat the test within another 3-5 years.

Positive result

Look out for symptoms of genital warts. You may wish to consider getting treated for warts if they do appear.

Your partner may want to get HPV vaccinated.

If you have female partners, you should also encourage them to attend their smear tests.

You may be told to monitor your skin for any new changes.

Your partner may also want to get HPV vaccinated.

You should attend your regular smear tests to monitor any changes. If you have female partners, you should also encourage them to attend their smear tests.

What do my HPV test results mean? (For Men)
K
L

The examples included below are generic steps that may be taken when you receive your HPV results. It is important to follow the advice and instructions of your healthcare provider.

HPV is a complicated and ever changing condition and it may not always mean the same thing across individuals.

Therefore it is important to talk to your healthcare provider and figure out what your results mean to you, and how they will affect your life going forward.

Low risk HPV

High risk HPV

Negative result

Reassuring! Time to move on with your life.

Reassuring! Time to move on with your life.

Positive result

Look out for symptoms of genital warts. You may wish to consider getting treated for warts if they do appear.

Your partner may also want to get HPV vaccinated.

If you have female partners, you should also encourage them to attend their smear tests.

You may be told to monitor your skin for any new changes.

Your partner may also want to get HPV vaccinated.

If you have female partners, you should also encourage them to attend their smear tests.

Insufficient cellular matter

Additional sample required

Additional sample required

What happens if my HPV test is positive?
K
L

If you tested with us then you will have an opportunity to discuss your test results with us, or your healthcare provider, whoever you will feel comfortable with. Your health care provider will discuss what steps you may need to take going forward.

If you wish to gain a general idea of what steps you may need to take following a positive HPV test, you can read more about it here.

Do I have to tell my partner if I test positive for HPV?
K
L

We recommend telling your partners about your HPV status so they too can get tested/be aware of what needs to be done.

Can I get a certificate of my HPV test results?
K
L

Yes. Along with a text or email of your HPV test results, we can email a certificate for official purposes.

Fees

Sexual Health Consultation (inc. in test) £60

HPV Test for females (Low + High Risk) £250 (inc consultation)

HPV Test for males (Low + High Risk) £350 (inc consultation)

HPV Test for Oral/Rectal sites £250 (inc consultation)

Additional Oral/Rectal HPV Test £200/each

HPV Vaccine (2 doses) £200/dose

Health Insurance

Find out if you can claim your visit

Learn more

Next Steps 

In Clinic Care

Same Day Testing Available

With Consultation

Online Care

Same Day Telephone / Video Consultation

Learn More

Reviewed by: Dr. Manoj Malu (Clinical Director)
Written By: Shannon Abraham

Last reviewed date: 1 September 2022
Next review due: 1 September 2025

Whilst this content is written and reviewed by sexual health specialists, it is for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.

Contact Us