Bluecrest Wellness Cancer screening

Cervical Cancer (HPV)

An at-home swab test that checks for high-risk strains of HPV, the virus linked to increased cervical cancer risk. It suits women wanting a private alternative to an in-person screening appointment.

  • At-home test
  • Female
Sample
Swab
Collection
At-home self-collection kit posted to the lab
Results in
3–8 days
Biomarkers
1
Doctor reviewed
No
Tests for
  • High-risk HPV

Test specifications

Provider
Bluecrest Wellness
Sample type
swab
Collection method
at-home self-collection kit posted to the lab
Turnaround time
3–8 days
Biomarkers tested
1
At-home test
Yes
Doctor reviewed
No
Gender focus
Female

What's tested

1 biomarker as listed by Bluecrest Wellness.

  • High-risk HPV

About this test

This test checks a self-collected vaginal swab for high-risk strains of HPV (human papillomavirus), a group of viruses linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer. Bluecrest's own description notes that types 16 and 18 are the strains most associated with this risk, and that the test only checks for the presence of these strains rather than diagnosing cervical cancer itself. Bluecrest also notes that UK guidance recommends starting cervical screening from age 25, since testing younger can be less useful and may cause unnecessary worry.

On marker count, this single-strain-group test sits in the 32nd percentile among the cancer screening tests we track, reflecting that it targets one specific risk factor rather than screening broadly. The value for money score reflects that £85 is a little above the £75 median for the cancer screening tests we track. It scores well on collection convenience, since the swab can be done at home with results in around 8 days, but lower on results and follow-up, as there is no doctor review as standard. There are no other HPV tests from named providers in our data to compare it against directly on price.

Who is it for?

This suits you if you are due or overdue for cervical screening and would rather use an at-home swab than attend an appointment in person, or if you want a private check between routine screening appointments. Bluecrest's own information notes that testing before age 25 is generally not recommended, since cervical cancer risk is low at that age and cell changes are often temporary. If a result comes back abnormal, we would recommend discussing it with a GP for further investigation.

How it works

You collect a vaginal swab sample at home using Bluecrest's self-collection kit and post it to the lab. Results are expected in around 3 to 8 days. There is no doctor review of results as standard.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • At-home vaginal swab kit avoids the need for an in-person appointment.
  • Checks specifically for high-risk HPV strains 16 and 18, the ones most linked to cervical cancer risk.
  • Clear listing with a full biomarker description, stated turnaround and collection method.

Cons

  • At £85, priced 13% above the £75 median for the cancer screening tests we track.
  • Only tests for HPV; it does not include a wider cervical cell check.
  • Results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.
  • Not recommended for use before age 25, per Bluecrest's own guidance, so it will not suit everyone.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score At-home HPV swab test, no doctor review of results
Editorial confidence: 10.0/10

This is an at-home vaginal swab test for high-risk HPV strains, the group of viruses linked to increased cervical cancer risk. It costs £85 and does not include a doctor review of results 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 6.4/10

    1 biomarkers, placing it in the 32nd percentile of cancer screening tests we track.

  • Collection convenience 7.0/10

    A swab sample you take at home, no needle; results in around 8 days, slower 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 9.5/10

    Trustpilot 4.7 from 6,787 reviews; accredited lab (UKAS ISO 15189 own lab); CQC registered; trading 14+ years.

  • Value for money 5.8/10

    £85.00 against a median of £75.00 for the 19 similarly sized cancer screening tests we track (+13%).

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

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