The study on HPV self-sampling is conducted by Fimlab and Tampere University. It aims to find out how viable HPV sampling that you can do by yourself at home is as a method for cervical cancer screening. We first test the method in a research setting with voluntary participants from the age group scheduled for screening in 2026.
The HPV self-sampling method is already in use in other Nordic countries and is considered reliable and safe. See process in brief here (opens as a .pdf-file).
You can participate in the study if
- you live in Central Finland, Kanta-Häme, Ostrobothnia, Pirkanmaa or Päijät-Häme, and
- you belong to the age group scheduled for screening in 2026, and
- you have received an invitation to cervical cancer screening from Fimlab, and
- you do not want to visit a healthcare facility for traditional screening.
If you fulfill these requirements, you can order a self-sampling kit to your home. Collect the HPV-sample by yourself and mail it to Fimlab. The sample will be examined for the high-risk HPV, i.e. the human papillomavirus. If the test result is positive and an HPV infection is diagnosed, you will be referred to gynaecological screening to receive a more accurate screening sample.
You will not be remunerated for participating in the study. Self-sampling and the following gynaecological screening after a positive HPV detection are free of charge for you.
How to participate in the HPV self-sampling study?
If you meet the above-mentioned criteria and wish to participate in the study, you can order the self-sampling kit by clicking on the link below. Ordering the kit requires strong authentication. First, review the contents of the Consent to participate in the study -document (in Finnish, opens as a .pdf file)
Order the HPV self-sampling kit
When you order the kit, you need to agree to participate in the study and allow your data to be used for research purposes. You can read more information on the study and the use of personal data in the research bulletin (in Finnish, opens as a .pdf-file).
After ordering the kit, we ask you to fill out a short questionnaire on HPV self-sampling, which aims to find out what made you want to order the kit and how easy it was.
The kit will be delivered to your home by ordinary mail. The kit will include detailed instructions, sampling equipment, and a return envelope which you can use to deliver your sample to Fimlab. The return envelope’s postage is prepaid.
How is HPV self-sampling done?
Follow the instructions included in the kit and collect the sample from your vagina using the thin sampling stick. See the instruction here (opens as a .pdf-file, see page 2).
Fill out the preliminary information form primarily online by clicking on this link (you will need your personal screening ID included in the kit).
Please note that the kit is intended only for you and your sample.
Collect the sample within one month after receiving the kit to ensure that your personal referral is still valid. Take the envelope containing the sample to a mailbox the day after collecting the sample at the latest. Fimlab does not analyse samples that are delivered late.
Please note the following
- You cannot collect the HPV self-sample during menstruation or if you are pregnant.
- Hysterectomy does not prevent self-sampling.
- If you are under any topical treatment (such as vaginal suppositories), be sure to stop using them on the sampling day and the day before.
- Any hormone replacement therapy does not need to be interrupted.
- After childbirth, the sample can be taken once the postnatal check-up has been completed.
- Collect and deliver the sample within one month after receiving the sampling kit.
Examination results
You will receive the result from Fimlab within two months after the sample has been delivered. The result is sent to you primarily electronically (if you have not yet enabled digital mail, you will receive the result to your home by post).
If the results indicate an HPV infection, Fimlab will send you instructions on how to apply for further screening. Self-collected HPV samples cannot be analysed sufficiently to assess the need for further treatment, for which reason anyone with a positive HPV result should seek gynecological sampling after receiving their results.
After delivering your sample, you will receive a link to a short questionnaire to find out how well the HPV self-sampling worked, whether the instructions were clear, and any experiences related to the participation.
Please note that HPV self-sampling results are not transferred to Kanta, as this is a scientific study. The results of the traditional screening sample taken at a healthcare unit are transferred to Kanta.
Compiling data to the Mass Screening Registry of the Finnish Cancer Registry
Fimlab will send a summary of its screening examinations of cervical cancer to the Mass Screening Registry of the Finnish Cancer Registry, which compiles data on the mass screening activities across Finland. Compiling the data is based on the law. The summary will also be sent to the municipality that ordered the service. Any personal examination results will not be included in the summary sent to the municipalities.
