Pathology · London
HPV genotyping test - private in London.
High-risk HPV testing for cervical, anal and oropharyngeal risk. Type-specific results for 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 - the seven types behind most HPV-driven cancers. Booked in one working day.
- Clinically reviewed
- Vetted CQC-registered clinics
- Reply within one working day
- Free
What the test is
A nucleic acid amplification test for high-risk HPV.
It detects DNA or mRNA from 14 high-risk HPV types. Genotyping goes one step further, telling you which specific type is present - and whether it is one of the two behind most cervical cancers.
14 high-risk types
HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68. Between them they cause almost all cervical, anal and HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancers.
HPV 16 and 18
The two types that cause around 70 percent of cervical cancers and most HPV-related anal and oropharyngeal cancers. Type-specific reporting matters.
DNA versus mRNA
DNA tests show the virus is present. mRNA tests (Aptima) target E6 and E7 transcripts, a marker of active oncogenic expression, and can reduce false positives from transient infection.
Who benefits
Who is HPV genotyping for?
Some patients benefit from a first-line screen, others from targeted follow-up after an abnormal result.
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Women 25 to 65
Cervical screening, particularly with prior LSIL or ASC-US on Pap cytology.
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Men who have sex with men
Anal HPV screening, especially for HIV-positive patients where anal cancer risk is higher.
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Oropharyngeal risk
Head and neck cancer risk assessment, particularly with unexplained cervical lymph nodes.
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Post-treatment surveillance
After treatment for CIN2 or CIN3, follow-up genotyping shows whether the causative type has cleared.
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Vaccinated adults
Peace of mind for those concerned about types not covered by earlier vaccines.
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New partners
A baseline before a new relationship, alongside a full STI screen.
Sample types
Where the sample comes from.
HPV testing is site-specific. A cervical result tells you nothing about anal or oral HPV, and vice versa.
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Cervical
Self-collected vaginal swab or clinician-collected liquid-based cytology sample.
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Anal
Clinician-collected anal canal swab, usually paired with anal cytology.
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Oropharyngeal
Throat swab or oral gargle sample for head and neck risk assessment.
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Penile
Penile shaft swab, often included with a broader male STI panel.
Testing options
The main assay platforms.
London laboratories run one or more of these. We match the assay to the question.
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Hologic Aptima HPV
mRNA test targeting E6 and E7 transcripts of 14 high-risk types. Higher specificity than DNA-only tests.
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Roche cobas HPV
HPV DNA with concurrent 16 and 18 genotyping in a single result.
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Cepheid Xpert HPV
Cartridge-based platform with same-day turnaround, useful for rapid triage.
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Papillocheck genotyping
Extended panel covering 24 hrHPV types, useful for detailed surveillance.
Interpretation
What each result actually means.
Genotype and persistence matter more than a single positive.
- 01 Negative
No high-risk HPV detected
Very low risk of cervical cancer over the next 5 years. Return to routine screening intervals.
- 02 hrHPV +
Positive, non-16 or 18
Cytology follow-up. If cytology is normal, repeat HPV in 12 months to check for persistence.
- 03 HPV 16 or 18
Highest-risk types
Direct colposcopy referral. These two types cause the majority of cervical cancers.
- 04 Persistent
Same type at 12 months
Colposcopy referral. Persistence, not one-off positivity, drives cancer risk.
Cost in London
Indicative pricing, no bait figures.
Ranges across our vetted London partners. We come back with firm quotes across two or three options.
In short
Most HPV genotyping in London: £150 to £350, reported in 3 to 7 days.
| Test | Indicative range | Sample | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic hrHPV (positive or negative) | £150–£220 | Swab, 5 min | 3–5 days |
| hrHPV with 16 and 18 genotyping | £220–£320 | Swab, 5 min | 3–5 days |
| Extended 14-type genotyping | £280–£450 | Swab, 5 min | 5–7 days |
| Self-collect vaginal kit | £120–£250 | At home | 5–7 days |
| Anal HPV genotyping (clinician-collected) | £220–£380 | Swab, 10 min | 5–7 days |
| Combined HPV plus liquid-based cytology (Pap) | £280–£450 | Speculum, 10 min | 5–10 days |
Where to get tested
A small panel of London clinics.
Sexual health, gynaecology, colposcopy and private pathology. Introductions made privately.
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The Doctors Laboratory (TDL Direct)
Central London laboratory offering HPV genotyping through partner clinics.
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Randox Health
City and West End clinics with self-collect and clinician-collected options.
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56 Dean Street
NHS-affiliated sexual health service in Soho, strong on anal HPV.
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HCA The Wellington
St John's Wood colposcopy and gynaecology with rapid HPV workup.
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Chelsea and Westminster Private
Consultant-led gynaecology and sexual health, integrated cytology.
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Chelsea Colposcopy
Dedicated colposcopy clinic for HPV-positive triage and CIN treatment.
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London Women's Clinic
Harley Street women's health with combined HPV and Pap testing.
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HCA London Bridge
Broad diagnostics including anal HPV for high-risk MSM patients.
HPV vaccination
Vaccination alongside testing.
Vaccination and testing are complementary, not alternatives.
Gardasil 9
Covers HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. Adults up to age 45 are eligible privately, per the licensed indication. Three-dose schedule at 0, 2 and 6 months for adults.
NHS routine programme
Offered to girls and boys aged 12 to 13. Catch-up available up to age 25 for those who missed it, and to MSM up to age 45 through sexual health clinics.
Related guides
Read next.
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Full private STI screen
A complete sexual health panel alongside HPV.
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Daily or on-demand PrEP for HIV prevention.
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HIV PEP clinic
Post-exposure prophylaxis within 72 hours.
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Mammography and breast MRI
Breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging.
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Breast cancer
Signs, diagnosis and private treatment routes.
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Frequently asked
HPV genotyping, answered.
Self-sampling, insurance, repeat intervals, vaccinated adults, anal testing and partners.
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How accurate is a self-collected vaginal swab?
Very accurate. Self-collected vaginal swabs perform comparably to clinician-collected samples for high-risk HPV detection and are now endorsed by NHS cervical screening for those who decline a speculum. Cytology, if triggered, still needs a clinician sample.
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Will my insurance cover HPV genotyping?
Most PMI policies cover HPV testing when clinically indicated, for example after an abnormal Pap or in colposcopy follow-up. Screening-only tests without symptoms are usually self-funded. We confirm coverage before booking.
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How often should I repeat the test?
If negative, every 5 years for routine cervical screening from age 25 to 65. If positive with normal cytology, repeat in 12 months. Post-treatment for CIN, 6 and 18 months is typical. Your clinician will individualise this.
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I have been vaccinated. Do I still need testing?
Yes. Gardasil 9 covers 9 types but not all high-risk types, and earlier vaccines cover fewer. Cervical screening continues for vaccinated women, and testing is worthwhile if there is a specific concern.
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Who should have an anal HPV test?
Men who have sex with men, particularly those living with HIV, benefit most given higher anal cancer risk. Some women with a history of vulvar or cervical HPV disease may also be offered anal screening. Discuss with a sexual health specialist.
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Should my partner be tested?
There is no approved routine HPV test for men outside of anal or oropharyngeal indications. Most HPV clears without treatment. A partner discussion is more useful than a partner test in most cases.
One working day
Book a private HPV genotyping test in London.
Tell us what is going on. We reply within one working day with a clinic, a clinician and a firm quote. Free.