A recent study found that self-collected HPV samples are equivalent to speculum-based samples in detecting high-risk human papillomavirus among women aged 30 to 65. 

In the study, published in Preventive Medicine Reports, researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School compared self-collected and clinician-administered human papillomavirus (HPV) samples from 193 women screened between 2020 and 2022. Participants included 97 colposcopy patients who were at high risk for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse and 96 women undergoing routine screening.

The researchers assessed 15 high-risk HPV genotypes and found almost perfect agreement between self- and speculum-based collection (prevalence-adjusted kappa was greater than 0.81 for all genotypes). Researchers also noted comparable accuracy in sensitivity and specificity between collection methods. The HPV positivity rate was 66% in the colposcopy group vs. 14% among routine screeners, and HPV 16, 68, and 39 were the most commonly detected types in both groups.

"The findings emphasize the utility of self-collection in identifying high-grade lesions and the consistency of HPV detection across different collection methods," wrote Alisa P. Young of the Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, with colleagues.

The FDA approved HPV self-collection in May 2024. Countries that have integrated self-collection into primary HPV screening have reported increased screening rates and reduced cervical cancer incidence.

No conflicts of interest were disclosed in the published study.