Processing of self-collection samples

Department of Health

Processing of self-collection samples - Cover image

Providers of medical pathology services must clearly identify self-collected vaginal samples for HPV testing as part of the National Cervical Screening Program. This includes referring self-collected vaginal samples onto a laboratory who can process them, where necessary.

There is a range of collection devices and methods available for use under the National Cervical Screening Program for self-collected vaginal samples. As a result, different pathology laboratories may have different collection and handling instructions and requirements.

Healthcare providers are encouraged to talk to their usual pathology provider in the first instance to:

  • confirm that they can process self-collected vaginal samples, or confirm that they are able to refer self-collected vaginal samples to a laboratory that can process self-collected vaginal samples
  • order the correct collection device and other consumables for offering self-collection
  • confirm any collection, handling and transport requirements.
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