A New At-Home Test for HPV Now Available Across Canada
Doctors in Canada are emphasizing the need for better access to cervical cancer screening, and a new at-home test for the human papillomavirus (HPV) is now available across the country. The testing kit, developed by Switch Health, can be purchased online for $99, and screens for high-risk genotypes of HPV including subtypes HPV 16 and 18, which account for 70% of cervical cancer cases.
The kit, which is available everywhere in Canada except for the northern territories and Prince Edward Island, utilizes logistics networks to deliver the kit to a person’s home and transport it safely back to the lab. According to Mary Langley, co-founder of Switch Health, the technology and software behind the kit sets it apart from other tests currently in use.
The testing kit includes an instruction manual, specimen label, Rovers Evalyn Brush, alcohol prep pad, biohazard bag, and a Purolator return shipping bag. The test allows individuals with a cervix to collect a sample of vaginal specimen using a brush, without requiring the use of a speculum or a visit to a doctor’s office.
Dr. Nancy Durand, an associate professor in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Toronto, explains that the at-home test is more comfortable for many individuals as it does not involve the use of a speculum. Instead, only a brush is used to collect the vaginal sample. Durand states that women are highly satisfied with the ease of performing the test.
The test should not be performed during menstruation or pregnancy, and results are typically available within three to five days. Test results can be accessed through a secure online portal and individuals are encouraged to discuss any concerning results with their doctor. For those without a doctor, Switch Health will help facilitate access to a follow-up consultation through their network of healthcare partners.
The launch of this testing kit comes as several provinces in Canada are transitioning from Pap smear to HPV testing for cervical cancer screening. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Canada, with the World Health Organization identifying it as the primary cause of cervical cancer. The availability of the at-home HPV test is expected to improve access to screening.
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