Better2Know Cancer screening

PAP Smear and HPV Testing for Women

Combines a PAP smear with an HPV test, looking at cervical cell changes alongside the HPV strains linked to them, taken as a vaginal swab at a clinic.

  • Female
Sample
Swab
Collection
Vaginal swab sample at clinic
Results in
5 days
Biomarkers
2
Tests for
  • HPV
  • Pap Smear

Test specifications

Provider
Better2Know
Sample type
swab
Collection method
vaginal swab sample at clinic
Turnaround time
5 days
Biomarkers tested
2
At-home test
No
Doctor reviewed
No
Gender focus
Female

What's tested

2 biomarkers as listed by Better2Know.

  • HPV
  • Pap Smear

About this test

This test combines a PAP smear, which looks at cervical cells for changes, with an HPV test, which checks for strains of HPV linked to those changes and to genital warts. Looking at both together gives a fuller picture than a PAP smear alone, since HPV status can help explain why cell changes have occurred or how closely they might need to be followed up.

There is no named comparison group for this specific test in our data, so we cannot compare it directly against competitor combined tests. Against the broader set of similarly sized cancer screening tests we track, £250 is around 233% above the £75 median, which is the main reason it scores poorly on value for money despite testing two markers instead of one. With two biomarkers, it sits in the 68th percentile for clinical depth among cancer screening tests generally, reflecting a broader check than most in that category.

It scores well for clarity, since the listing sets out both biomarkers, the sample type and the turnaround clearly, and reasonably for collection convenience, since a single swab covers both tests with results back within about 5 working days. Trust-signal scoring reflects Better2Know's 4.2 Trustpilot rating from 775 reviews, CQC registration and 18 years of trading, while the lower results and follow-up score reflects that results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.

Who is it for?

This suits you if you want a fuller cervical check than a PAP smear alone, combining cell changes with HPV status from a single clinic visit. We do not have data on comparable combined PAP and HPV tests from other private providers, so we cannot say whether this is competitively priced against named alternatives; against the broader cancer screening category it tracks, it is priced well above the typical level. If you have symptoms such as unusual bleeding or discharge, see a GP rather than waiting for a private test.

How it works

A clinician takes a single vaginal swab sample at a Better2Know clinic, which is used for both the PAP smear and the HPV test, then sent to the lab for analysis. Results are typically ready within about 5 working days and are provided through Better2Know's online patient area. The fact sheet does not state that a doctor reviews results as standard.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Combines PAP smear and HPV testing from a single swab and clinic visit.
  • Two biomarkers place it in the 68th percentile for clinical depth among cancer screening tests we track.
  • Listing clearly states both biomarkers, sample type and turnaround.

Cons

  • Priced around 233% above the £75 median for similarly sized cancer screening tests we track.
  • No comparable named competitors in our data to check pricing against directly.
  • No doctor review of results as standard.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score PAP and HPV combined, but 233% above category median
Editorial confidence: 9.0/10

A single vaginal swab covers both parts of this combined PAP smear and HPV test, priced at £250, around 233% above the £75 median for similarly sized cancer screening tests we track. Results are typically ready in about 5 working days but are not doctor-reviewed as standard.

Score breakdown

  • Clarity and documentation 9.0/10

    The listing publishes a detailed description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.

  • Clinical depth 8.6/10

    2 biomarkers, placing it in the 68th percentile of cancer screening tests we track.

  • Collection convenience 4.0/10

    A swab sample taken at a clinic; results in around 5 days, in line with or faster than similar tests.

  • Results and follow-up 3.0/10

    Results are not doctor-reviewed and no consultation is included; the provider does not describe the report format.

  • Trust signals 6.5/10

    Trustpilot 4.2 from 775 reviews; CQC registered; trading 18+ years.

  • Value for money 2.0/10

    £250.00 against a median of £75.00 for the 19 similarly sized cancer screening tests we track (+233%).

Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.

More in Cancer screening

View all →
Selph

qFIT Bowel Cancer Screening Test

Priced close to the FIT test group median

A stool test using the qFIT method to measure blood in a stool sample, giving a numerical result rather than a simple positive or negative. Suited to adults wanting to check a common early indicator of possible bowel cancer risk.

  • At-home test
8.1 / 10
£59.00
Full review →