No appointment. No clinic. No awkward procedure. As a registered GP Pathfinder patient, you can now test for cervical cancer from the comfort of your own home — and simply post your sample back. Find Out How It WorksGet Your Free Kit
Why Cervical Screening Matters
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers — but only if caught early. Here’s why this matters for you and the women you love.
3,200women diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK every year
99.8%of cervical cancers are caused by HPV — which this test detects
1 in 3women in the UK are currently overdue their cervical screening
83%survival rate when cervical cancer is caught at the earliest stage
Why Choose the Self-Sampling Option?
This is a benefit of being a registered patient at GP Pathfinder Clinics. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to stay healthy.
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Do It at Home
Take your sample in complete privacy, in your own time, with no need to visit a clinic or arrange childcare.
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No Awkward Procedure
The self-sampling swab is simple and comfortable. No speculum, no undressing, no examination by a clinician.
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Just Post It Back
Once you’ve taken your sample, seal it in the pre-paid envelope and pop it in any Royal Mail postbox. That’s it.
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Completely Free
This is a fully funded NHS service. Your kit, your postage, and your results are all completely free of charge.
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Confidential & Secure
Your sample and results are handled with full NHS confidentiality. Only you and your GP will see your results.
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Available in Your Language
Instructions and support are available in multiple languages including Arabic, Somali, Urdu, Hindi, and more.
How It Works — 4 Simple Steps
The whole process takes less than 5 minutes. Here’s exactly what to do.
1
Request Your Kit
Ask at reception or speak to your GP to receive your free self-sampling kit. It will be given to you or posted to your home address.
2
Take Your Sample
In private at home, use the small swab to collect a vaginal sample. The instructions in the kit are clear and easy to follow. It takes under 2 minutes.
3
Seal & Post
Place your sample in the secure, pre-paid envelope provided. Drop it in any Royal Mail postbox — no stamp needed.
4
Receive Your Results
Your results will be sent to your GP within 2–4 weeks. If further investigation is needed, we will contact you to arrange next steps.
Watch: How to Use Your Self-Sampling Kit
This short NHS video walks you through the entire process step by step. It takes just 3 minutes to watch — and could save your life.
Video produced by the North Central London Cancer Alliance / NHS. Running time: 3 minutes 20 seconds.
What’s in Your Kit?
Everything you need is included. Your kit arrives in a discreet, plain envelope and contains:
A vaginal self-sampling swab (eSwab)
A secure, labelled sample tube
Clear, illustrated step-by-step instructions
A pre-paid Royal Mail return envelope
A patient information leaflet
A helpline number if you have any questions
The swab is soft, flexible, and comfortable. You do not need to insert it deeply — just a few centimetres. Most people find it completely painless.
Just Pop It in the Post
Once you’ve taken your sample, simply seal the pre-paid envelope and drop it in any Royal Mail postbox near you. No special trip, no courier, no fuss.
Pre-paid postage includedAny Royal Mail postboxResults in 2–4 weeksTracked & secure
Your sample is processed at an NHS-accredited laboratory. The whole journey from your home to your results is handled securely within the NHS.
Are You Eligible?
The HPV self-sampling pathway is available to eligible patients registered at GP Pathfinder Clinics.
✅ You ARE eligible if you:
Are aged 25–64 years old
Have a cervix (including trans men and non-binary people)
Are registered at a GP Pathfinder Clinics practice
Are overdue your cervical screening (more than 3.5 years since your last smear)
Have never had a cervical screening before
Have previously declined a smear test at the clinic
⚠ Please speak to your GP if:
You are currently pregnant
You have had a total hysterectomy (womb and cervix removed)
You have had an abnormal smear result in the last 3 years
You are currently under colposcopy follow-up
You have symptoms such as unusual bleeding or discharge (please book an appointment)
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about HPV self-sampling.
Is the self-sample as accurate as a smear test? ▼
Yes. Research shows that HPV self-sampling is highly accurate for detecting high-risk HPV — the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers. It is an approved NHS pathway validated in large clinical studies across the UK and Europe.
Will it hurt? ▼
No. The swab is soft and flexible. You only need to insert it a few centimetres. The vast majority of women find it completely comfortable — far less uncomfortable than a traditional speculum examination.
What happens if my result is positive for HPV? ▼
A positive HPV result does not mean you have cancer. It means you have been exposed to the virus. Your GP will contact you to discuss next steps, which usually involves a referral for a colposcopy. Most HPV infections clear on their own without causing any problems.
How long will it take to get my results? ▼
Results are typically returned within 2–4 weeks of your sample arriving at the laboratory. Your GP practice will contact you with your results. You can also check via the NHS App.
Is this test free? ▼
Yes, completely. The kit, the pre-paid postage, the laboratory analysis, and your results are all provided free of charge as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.
Can I do this test during my period? ▼
It is best to avoid taking the sample during your period, as blood can affect the result. Wait until your period has finished and then take the sample. If you are unsure, contact the practice for advice.
What if I need instructions in another language? ▼
Instructions are available in Arabic, Somali, Urdu, Hindi, Polish, Portuguese, and many other languages. Please ask at reception or speak to your GP, and we will provide the appropriate materials.
Does a positive HPV result mean I have cervical cancer? ▼
No. HPV is a very common virus and most people who have it never develop cancer. The test is designed to detect the virus early so that any changes to the cervix can be monitored and treated before they become cancerous. Early detection is the key to prevention.
Ready to Take Control of Your Health?
Request your free HPV self-sampling kit today. It takes 5 minutes and could save your life.
