Quest Diagnostics has launched a new solution to enhance access to human papillomavirus (HPV) screening, enabling women to identify their risk of cervical cancer.
The new offering includes a self-collection option, allowing patients to collect their own specimens for HPV screening in clinical settings.
Starting next month, Quest Diagnostics will introduce this self-collection option at its 2,000 patient service centres across the United States, with a physician’s order.
The initiative builds on the company’s previous success with self-collection services for vaginitis and other genital infections, launched in October 2024.
The self-collection solution employs Roche’s HPV self-collection system, which is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and compatible with its cobas HPV test.
However, it is not approved for at-home use and is not a substitute for a clinician-provided pelvic examination.
Patients are advised to inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or have symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease.
Quest Diagnostics women’s and reproductive health services vice president and general manager Kathleen Valentine said: “We are seeing more demand for solutions that empower patients to take an active role in their health care.
“Cervical cancer is highly preventable when detected early, and yet, over 4,000 American women will die this year of cervical cancer primarily due to inadequate screening.
“Our goal is to make HPV screening more accessible and discreet for women who may otherwise skip or delay this vital preventive care test and therefore increase their risk of developing cervical cancer.”
Unlike conventional HPV testing, where a healthcare provider collects a specimen from the patient, the new service allows patients to self-collect at a physician’s office.
The specimen is then sent to a Quest Diagnostics laboratory for testing, with results delivered electronically to both the physician and patient.
The self-collection option is available at no additional cost to patients or health plans, ensuring broader access to essential HPV screening services.
Quest Diagnostics women’s health senior medical director Damian Alagia said: “The most reliable cervical cancer method is co-testing, which combines HPV and Pap testing, on a specimen collected by a skilled physician.
“Yet, the reality is that some patients, whether due to stigma, trauma or some other factor, are not comfortable undergoing specimen collection by their OBGYN or other doctor.
“Giving providers and patients options is important for caring for the needs and interests of the individual patient.”
