FAQs

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV infection is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex).

No. HPV infection does not mean one has cancer. It depends on the immunity of the person. In a normal healthy woman, it takes about 15-20 years to develop cervical cancer from the time she becomes HPV positive.

Reference link- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer#:~:text=Typically%2C%20it%20takes%2015%E2%80%9320,and%20take%205%E2%80%9310%20years.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause. Symptoms are presented once the cancer develops. The precancer stage does not have any noticeable symptoms.

It is a stage when cancer hasn’t started but primary lesions have started to appear. These lesions can be detected through periodic screening and be removed through a 15-20 mins OPD process without any admissions. Hence, it is best to get detected at this stage through periodic screening.

A periodic screening should be done when you are healthy aging between 25-60 years.

An HPV PCR test is recommended once every 5 years, LBC (PAP) is recommended once every 3 years and PAP smear is recommended once every year. HPV PCR is the most sensitive method.

Reference link- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer

More than 25%

Reference link- https://cdn.georgeinstitute.org/sites/default/files/documents/cervical-cancer-in-india-challenges-and-opportunities.pdf

One woman is lost every 8 mins to CC

Reference link- https://cancerindia.org.in/statistics/#1715659654193-a302938c-4b16

The cervical cancer screening test is colloquially called Pap test. The most sensitive test is the PCR based HPV test followed by microscopic analysis to detect abnormality through Liquid Based Cytology and PAP smear test. The PAP smear test is the most affordable but needs to be taken up every year and is the least sensitive

Cervical cancer is considered 100% preventable through regular screening and HPV vaccination.

Vaccines are for young girls in age group of 9-14 years (2 doses).

Reference link- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/hcp/recommendations.html

Three doses are recommended.

Reference link- https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/hcp/administration.html#:~:text=HPV%20vaccination%20is%20administered%20as,years%2C%20and%20for%20immunocompromised%20persons.

Persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV, low immunity due to AIDs or poor life style, etc.

The CERVICHECK™ Self-Sampling Kit allows women to collect cervical samples privately and comfortably at home for screening tests.

Every kit has a detailed instructions for use booklet. It also has a QR code that can be scanned for an animated video in a language of your choice. You can also find the instructions in the user guide tab provided at the top.

Yes, the CERVICHECK™ kit has been validated for its safety and efficacy in clinical trials through CDSCO approved protocols.

Yes, the kit is designed specifically for home use, providing a convenient and private alternative to visiting a clinic for cervical screening.

The CERVICHECK™ kit is designed to ensure high-quality sample collection in a fail-safe manner. We have rare events of getting invalid test results (<1%) which may happen only if the kit has not been used as per the instructions provided.

By providing a comfortable and private way to collect samples, the CERVICHECK™ kit encourages women participation in cervical cancer screening programmes, particularly in areas with limited resource settings.

Yes. In the CDSCO approved clinical evaluations we have obtained prefect agreement between CERVICHECK™ and healthcare collected samples suggesting that self-collected samples match in quantity and quality to clinician/ healthcare-collected samples for HPV testing.

No. While the CERVICHECK™ kit is a convenient sampling too for screening, it should not replace regular visits to your healthcare provider. It is important to consult a doctor for routine checkups, and if your test results indicate any abnormalities.

Yes, The CERVICHECK™ kit is designed to be used by healthy women who are sexually active in the age group of 25-60 years. The kit has been used successfully even by tribal women during our clinical evaluations so you can do it easily too.

Yes, even if you have received the HPV vaccine, regular screening is still recommended. The vaccine does not protect against all types/ strains of HPV.

Cervical cancer screening is recommended every 3-5 years, depending on your age, health history, prior screening results and the testing platform. However, consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

No. The CERVICHECK™ kit is a single use, disposable kit. Each kit is disinfected and intended for one-time sampling to ensure accuracy, safety, and hygiene.

The kit is recommended for women between 25-65 years. If you are outside this age range, consult your doctor for specific screening recommendations.

If you have undergone cancer treatment, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before using the kit, as your medical condition may require special considerations for screening.

Please do not panic for a positive test result. Visit your gynaecologist to understand the result better and the next steps needed.