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Clinical Guidelines

HRSA Adds Self-Collection to Screening

Updated guidelines position patient-collected testing as an option for patients aged 30 to 65 years who are at average risk of cervical cancer, with mandatory insurance coverage beginning January 2027

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The Health Resources and Services Administration has updated Women's Preventive Services guidelines to include self-collection of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) specimens as an option for cervical cancer screening. This change allows average-risk patients aged 30 to 65 years to choose self-collection, which will be covered by most private health insurers without cost-sharing starting January 1, 2027. The updates aim to address existing disparities in cervical cancer outcomes by increasing screening accessibility, especially for those in underserved areas. Additional recommendations stress appropriate age-based controls while emphasizing ongoing research requirements.

Original Source(s)

HRSA Adds Self-Collection to Screening

Updated guidelines position patient-collected testing as an option for patients aged 30 to 65 years who are at average risk of cervical cancer, with mandatory insurance coverage beginning January 2027

  • by Kerri Miller

  • January 5, 2026

  • 4 min