Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Testing Highlights

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection in the United States.

Effective April 21, 2025, ARUP will accept self-collected vaginal specimens for select HPV testing. See the Frequently Asked Questions below for more information.

Most HPV infections are benign and resolve on their own, but persistent infection with any of the high-risk HPV genotypes increases a woman’s risk for developing cervical cancer. 

To assist in the detection and surveillance of HPV infections, ARUP offers multiple molecular screening and testing options based on current cervical cancer screening guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), and the American Cancer Society (ACS).  

Why Choose ARUP?

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Flexible Testing Options

Clinicians have the ability to order the testing indicated for individual patient populations.

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Cost Saving Opportunities

ARUP offers multiple HPV testing options at various price points.

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Reliable Results

ARUP’s screening tests detect 14 high-risk HPV genotypes in a single analysis, differentiates HPV16 and HPV18 from other high-risk types, and aligns reporting with current cervical cancer screening guidelines.

Additional Resources

Education

An Update on HPV Versus Non-HPV-Associated Endocervical Adenocarcinoma 
Video Lecture by Lesley C. Lomo, MD
Pathologist


Molecular HPV Testing Options

Test NameTest NumberTest UtilityResult TypeHPV Genotype Targets
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) High Risk Screen, by Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA), ThinPrep3016943Preferred screening method for HPV

Detected/Not Detected

Genotypes not differentiated

16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68


 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) High Risk Screen by Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA), with Reflex to Genotypes 16 and 18/45, ThinPrep3016945

Detects HPV with reflex to additional genotype differentiation

 

 

Detected/Not Detected

If detected, high-risk genotypes HPV 16 and HPV 18/45 will be reported

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Genotypes 16 and 18/45, by Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA), ThinPrep3016944

High-risk genotype differentiation

 

HPV genotype 16:  Detected/Not Detected

HPV genotype 18/45: Detected/Not Detected

16, 18/45
HPV Primary Screen by PCR with Reflex to Cytology
 
3016636Detects HPV with additional genotype 16 & 18 differentiation and reflex to cytology

HPV genotype 16: Detected/Not Detected

HPV genotype 18: Detected/Not Detected

HPV high risk target genotypes 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68): Detected/Not Detected

Cytology by report

16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68

 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), High Risk with 16 and 18 Genotype by PCR, ThinPrep
 
2011940Detects HPV 16, HPV18 and HPV High-risk.
Vaginal Self-Collect Kit (ARUP supply # 64594) will be accepted effective April 21, 2025.

HPV genotype 16: Detected/Not Detected

HPV genotype 18: Detected/Not Detected

HPV high risk target genotypes (31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68): Detected/Not Detected

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), High Risk with 16 and 18 Genotype by PCR, SurePath
 
2011933Detects HPV 16, HPV18 and HPV High-risk.

Vaginal Self-Collected Specimens

Self-collected vaginal specimens for select HPV testing will be accepted April 21, 2025.

Vaginal Self-Collection Frequently Asked Questions

Which ARUP tests will accept self-collected specimens?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), High Risk with 16 and 18 Genotype by PCR, ThinPrep (2011940) will be the only HPV screening test approved for self-collected specimens.

What ARUP supply item will be used for self-collection?

The Vaginal Self-Collection Kit (ARUP supply # 64594). This kit contains a collection swab (FLOQSwabs), ThinPrep vial, and collection instructions. This supply item will be available online by early April 2025, through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at 800-522-2787.

What patient demographic will be applicable for self-collection?

Self-collection should only be used for individuals for whom an endocervical collection is not feasible, such as those with limited mobility, history of trauma, or other conditions that prevent patients from being screened.

How will self-collected specimens be obtained?

Self-collection must be performed in a clinic setting and should not be done at home. A healthcare worker is required to suspend the swab into the ThinPrep media immediately after collection.

Will a self-collected specimen be reflexed or shared with cytology testing (Pap)?

No, a self-collected vaginal specimen cannot be reflexed to cytology. Cytology testing requires the collection of cervical cells, not cells found in the vaginal canal. If the specimen tests positive for high-risk HPV types, a patient follow-up visit for cytology or colposcopy is required.

Will the sensitivity of self-collected specimens be different than clinician collected specimens?

Self-collected vaginal HPV specimens are slightly less sensitive (91%) than clinician collected (93%) specimens. However, both of these collection methods for HPV screening are more sensitive than cytology testing (Pap testing).