HPV DNA screen in Chiswick

What the test measures

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus passed on through close skin-to-skin contact during sex, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. There are many types. Most cause no symptoms and are cleared by the immune system without treatment, but a small group known as high-risk types can, if they persist for years, cause changes to cells, most notably in the cervix. This screen looks for the DNA of those high-risk types in a swab sample.

Because it detects the virus itself, the screen shows whether high-risk HPV is present at the site sampled on the day. It does not examine cells.

The price includes the swab taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request. Appointments are confidential, and our team is non-judgemental whatever your reason for testing.

Who it is for

• You would like a private check for high-risk HPV alongside, not instead of, your NHS cervical screening.
• You have a new partner, or more than one partner, and want a fuller sexual health picture.
• You have had HPV detected before and would like to know whether it is still present.
• Your GP or practitioner has suggested HPV testing as part of a wider sexual health review.

Understanding your result

A negative result means high-risk HPV DNA was not found in the sample. A positive result means it was found. Testing positive is common and does not mean you have, or will develop, cell changes, because most infections clear naturally. Your practitioner may suggest speaking to your GP, who can arrange cervical cell checks. Any result is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis. There is no fixed window period after exposure, so a negative result is a snapshot and does not replace NHS cervical screening.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed. For a vaginal or cervical swab, it is best to book outside your period and to avoid vaginal creams, pessaries, lubricants and douching for 48 hours beforehand. We confirm any preparation when you book.

If you would like to check for other infections at the same visit, our STI tests cover chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis and more, with swab, urine and blood options. You can also compare every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an HPV DNA screen in Chiswick?

The HPV DNA Screen costs £99 at Omnia Lifestyle in Chiswick. This covers the swab, laboratory analysis, a review of your result with one of our practitioners and a GP feedback report if you would like one.

Does a positive HPV result mean I have cancer?

No. It means a high-risk type of the virus was detected. Most HPV infections clear by themselves, and only an infection that persists carries a risk of cell changes over time. Your practitioner will talk through sensible next steps, which may include asking your GP about cervical cell checks.

Is this the same as NHS cervical screening?

Not quite. NHS screening also starts with an HPV test, but a positive sample is then checked for abnormal cells within the NHS programme. Our screen tells you whether high-risk HPV is present, so please still attend NHS screening when invited.

Is there a vaccine for HPV?

Yes. The NHS offers HPV vaccination to young people at school and to some adults, including gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men up to the age of 45 through sexual health clinics. It does not treat an existing infection.