The BD Onclarity HPV test now allows you to collect your own sample privately in a healthcare provider's office or from the comfort of your home.*,1 The BD Onclarity self collected vaginal HPV Test is similar to a clinician collected HPV test.2
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV).3 Get Tested. Diagnosing HPV early is key to preventing cervical cancer.
Some HPV tests only give results for two types of high-risk HPV. The BD Onclarity™ HPV Test individually reports more high-risk HPV types.1,† This can help you avoid extra follow-up testing or invasive procedures.7
Do I need to screen for cervical cancer?
Ask your healthcare provider if a test like the BD Onclarity™ HPV Test is right for you. According to the American Cancer Society guidelines, you may need cervical cancer screening if:9,††
✓ You are between 25 and 65 years old
✓ You have not had a primary HPV test†† in the last 5 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Your health matters, and so does having the information you need. To learn more, download the FAQ Fact Sheet.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for over 90% of cervical cancer cases.12 HPV is common, and in most cases, the body clears it on its own. However, in some cases it can lead to serious health issues, including cervical cancer. Early detection of HPV is the key to preventing cervical cancer before it develops.
Yes—The vaccine protects against many types of HPV, but not all of them. Still, 4 out of 5 women by age 50 will have HPV at one point in their lives.13 The vaccine and screening work best together to reduce rates of cervical cancer.14
For many people with HPV, they don’t have any symptoms at all, which is why routine screening is essential. When symptoms do occur, they depend on the type of HPV. High-risk types usually don’t cause symptoms, but can lead to changes in cervical cells that may progress to cancer if untreated.15
There are different kinds of HPV, called genotypes. Some genotypes are higher risk and can cause cervical cancer. Screening with a test that has extended genotyping can identify specific high-risk HPV, helping you and your healthcare provider better understand and manage your health.
Yes—in fact 60% of cervical cancers occur in people who have not been screened in the last 5 years or who have never been screened.16 Because HPV infections are often silent, testing is the only way to know if you have HPV.
The American Cancer Society recommends starting cervical cancer screening at age 25.17 People with a cervix between the ages of 25 to 65 years old should have a primary HPV test† every 5 years.17
Yes—the BD Onclarity™ HPV Test is a clinical laboratory test that must be ordered by a licensed healthcare provider as part of cervical cancer screening.
Any provider who performs or manages cervical cancer screening can order the test. This typically includes obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs), family medicine doctors, internal medicine physicians, nurse practitioners or physician assistants who provide women’s health/cervical screening services.
Primary HPV screening is a widely covered service, and generally the BD Onclarity™ HPV Test is covered by insurance. Please check with individual plans for specific questions about coverage.
No—the BD Onclarity™ HPV Test must be ordered by a licensed healthcare provider for a specific patient, based on screening guidelines and appropriate clinical context.
A Pap test evaluates cells from your cervix for abnormal changes. An HPV test (both self-collected11,* and cliniciancollected) detects the presence of HPV, which causes cells of the cervix to become abnormal and potentially cancerous. The self-collected option tests vaginal cells, while the clinician-collected option tests cervical cells.
Samples collected by yourself are similar in accuracy to samples collected from a healthcare provider in a traditional pelvic exam.11,*
The BD Onclarity™ HPV Test delivers comprehensive‡ results and detects 14 high-risk HPV types.11 Specifically:
The self-collection swab looks like a long cotton swab, and the collection process takes less than a minute to do in a private space at your healthcare provider’s office or in your own home.11,* You will only need to insert the thin swab 2 inches into the vagina, and rotate it to collect your sample. Once collected, the sample will be sent to the lab.
Talk to your OBGYN and/or primary care physician to see if this test is right for you. Based on guidelines, screening is recommended only if your cervix was not removed during the hysterectomy procedure.18
Negative Result: NO HPV detected
Positive Result: YES HPV detected
A positive test result does not mean you have cervical cancer nor does it mean you will get cancer. HPV positivity is common and in most patients, the infection will resolve on its own. There are many types of HPV. Some have a higher risk of causing cervical cancer.13 Based on your results, your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up testing to determine your risk.
Yes—medical test results are part of your protected health information under U.S. law (HIPAA) and state regulations.
HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact and sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Talking with your partner about HPV can also foster shared responsibility for health. Seek out trustworthy sources, like your healthcare provider, to educate yourself and your partner.
*Self-collected vaginal specimens can be tested as an alternative specimen type when cervical sampling is either contraindicated or cervical samples otherwise cannot be obtained.
†The BD Onclarity™ HPV Assay is the only FDA-approved HPV test which provides the capability for individually genotyping six high-risk types and three genotype groups.
‡The BD Onclarity™ HPV Assay is the only FDA-approved HPV test which provides the capability for individually genotyping six high-risk types and three genotype groups.
