HPV-DNA testing: genotyping, self-collection and implementation
How molecular HPV testing works, what it answers better than cytology, and what a clinic or laboratory needs to offer it through a reference laboratory.
HPV-DNA and cytology answer different questions
Cytology describes what has already happened to the cells. HPV-DNA identifies the cause before a lesion exists: it detects the viral genome and, with genotyping, reports which type is present.
That changes management: a negative result supports longer screening intervals, while a positive result with a high-risk genotype guides follow-up and reflex cytology. This is the logic behind the international shift to HPV-DNA as the primary test.
For the clinic, the practical decision is not only analytical — it involves collection kit, transport, report format and how the result fits the care workflow.
What is included
HPV-DNA is part of our Women's Health portfolio, which also covers STIs, vaginal microbiota, fetal sexing and genetic panels.
- 28 HPV genotypes — high and low risk, with genotyping of oncogenic types
- In-office collection or vaginal self-collection, with defined kit and workflow
- Average 4-day turnaround and nationwide sample logistics
- Reports through the partner portal and scientific support for interpretation
- Complementary STI, bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis panels from the same sample
HPV-DNA in practice
- What is the HPV-DNA test?
- It is a molecular test that detects human papillomavirus genetic material directly in a cervical or vaginal sample. Unlike cytology, which looks for cellular changes that have already occurred, HPV-DNA identifies the virus before any morphological change — which is why it is used as a primary screening test in public health programs and private practice.
- Which HPV genotypes are identified?
- Our panel covers 28 HPV genotypes, high and low risk, with individual genotyping of the most oncogenically relevant types. This allows risk stratification and follow-up intervals instead of a simple positive/negative answer.
- Is self-collection accepted for HPV-DNA?
- Yes. Vaginal self-collection is a recognized strategy to expand screening coverage, particularly among populations with low uptake of in-office collection. It requires a defined workflow for kit, patient instructions, sample identification and chain of custody — which we structure together with the partner laboratory or clinic.
- What is the turnaround time?
- The average turnaround across our women's health portfolio is 4 days, with nationwide sample logistics and report release through the partner portal.
- How can a clinic or laboratory start offering the test?
- As a reference laboratory, we take on the analytical stage: collection kit, logistics flow, report format and scientific support for interpretation. The clinic keeps the patient relationship and does not need to invest in its own molecular platform.
Let's design the HPV-DNA workflow for your operation.
Test menu, kits, logistics, reporting and commercial terms are on the diagnostics page.