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.
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.
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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.
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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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.
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.
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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.