Instructions
HPV Collection Kit
instructional video
Prepare your testing session
1 - In Preparation
Introduction
00:00What you will need
00:542 - Connect with us on the Patient Portal
Your kit information
01:22Log in to patient portal
01:34Using your kit
01:393 - Send your kit back to us
Preparing for return
03:27Ready for pickup
03:58Closing
04:20
TRANSCRIPT
Introduction
00:00Hello and welcome.
This video will guide you through the Switch Health human papillomavirus (HPV) collection kit experience. Our test kits are only one of the many ways Switch Health is delivering accessible healthcare.
This quick, easy-to-use kit is designed to be used wherever you are.
With the Switch Health HPV collection kit service, your results are returned within a few days. Your official result will be uploaded into our patient portal for viewing and download.
Please note this important information from the manufacturer on the Evalyn Brush. Do not use during menstruation. Do not use during pregnancy or for three months following pregnancy. Do not use any other vaginal products for at least two days before using the Evalyn Brush. Vaginal contraceptives, condoms, and water-based lubricants can be used as normal.
What you will need
00:54To begin, connect with us from a private safe location.
Each Switch Health HPV collection kit contains a Switch Health instruction manual, Switch Health quick start guide, Switch Health specimen label, Rovers Evalyn Brush, Rovers Evalyn Brush instruction manual, alcohol prep pad, circular sticker, biohazard bag, Purolator return shipping bag.
Your kit information
01:22When you're ready to begin, remove the contents from the kit and lay them out in front of you.
Read the instruction manuals carefully.
Create or log into your Switch Health account.
Log in to patient portal
01:34Tap activate test
Enter your serial number to activate the kit.
Using your kit
01:39For self-collection, follow manufacturer's instructions and begin by washing your hands before usage.
Remove the Evalyn Brush from the packaging.
Do not throw the packaging away, as it is necessary for sending the Evalyn Brush to the laboratory after usage.
Press the sides of the pink cap with your thumb and index finger to remove the pink cap from the Evalyn Brush.
Ensure that you do not touch the white brush of the Evalyn Brush with your hands.
Obtain the sample whilst in a standing position.
Assume a comfortable stance. For example, as if you are about to insert a tampon.
Spread your labia with one hand and with the other hand, insert the Evalyn Brush into your vagina until the wings touch your labia.
Hold the transparent casing with one hand and with your other hand, push the pink plunger in the direction of the transparent casing.
You will hear and feel a click when the brush is in the right position with the pink plunger directly against the casing.
Turn the pink plunger five rotations in the same direction.
After each rotation, you will hear a click.
This helps you count the rotations.
After turning the plunger five times, carefully remove the Evalyn Brush.
Hold the transparent casing with one hand and with your other hand, pull on the pink plunger until the white brush disappears into the casing.
When doing so, do not touch the top part of the Evalyn Brush above the wings.
Hold the transparent end to ensure the white brush does not extend again.
Place the pink cap back on the Evalyn Brush using your thumb and index finger.
You will hear a click when it is properly in place.
Preparing for return
03:27Put the Evalyn Brush back inside the packaging.
Next, write your full name and date of birth as it appears in your Switch Health account on the included specimen label.
Print legibly using a black or blue pen.
Place the specimen label lengthwise onto the Evalyn Brush.
Place the Evalyn Brush inside the biohazard bag and seal it shut.
Place the biohazard bag back into the box and close.
Ready for pickup
03:58Seal the box with the included Switch Health sticker, then place the sealed box into the Purolator bag for return.
You will be prompted to enter your address, so we can determine your fastest pickup or drop off options.
All of our return methods are free and contactless.
We will send you an email and SMS text notification once your results are ready.
Closing
04:20At Switch Health, we pride ourselves on being user first.
Our support team is available Monday-Sunday, 10AM-6PM EST.
You can reach us by phone at 1-888-966-6531 or email us at contact@switchhealth.ca.
Thank you for choosing Switch Health.
how it works
It’s quite simple, really.
Our team of healthcare experts have built a quick and easy-to-use test kit so that you can have peace of mind - wherever you are.
step one
Connect with us to get started
Log in or create your Switch Health account.
Tap “Activate test” to start your test session. You will be guided through the following steps.
STEP TWO
Follow the steps for self- collection in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
Refer to the included manufacturer’s Instructions for the Home Test leaflet for further detail.
STEP THREE
Follow the steps for self- collection in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
Specimens returned without a completed specimen label will not be processed.
STEP FOUR
Prepare your kit for return
Follow the provided steps on how to securely pack your specimen for transport back to us.
step five
Return your kit for processing
Select from the available return methods – all options are free! Please return your kit to us as soon as possible.
step six
Review your results
We’ll notify you when your results are available. Log into your Switch Health account where follow-up care options will be tailored to you.
Questions? We’ve got answers.
Switch Health’s HPV Collection Kit is only applicable for individuals with a cervix. If you have concerns about your health, please contact a health care providers. See herefor more information on the cervix.
All results are digitally available to be downloaded in PDF format and/or printed via the Switch Health patient portal. It is the patient’s decision whether test results are shared with anyone else.
Results should be ready within 4-5 business days of being picked up by Purolator.
Testing for HPV is recommended for sexually active individuals over 25 years of age with a cervix.
HPV vaccines protect individuals from high-risk HPVs, but immunity is not 100% and may wane over time. It’s still worth routinely testing for HPVs.
Reference: HPV Prevention and HPV Vaccines. Government of Canada. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/sexual-health-sexually-transmitted-infections/hpv-prevention-vaccines-questions-answers.html
Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if repeating the HPV test is right for you.
Currently, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover HPV testing. Individuals should inquire with their healthcare insurer to learn what coverage is available to them.
Individuals who take a Switch Health HPV Collection Kit must meet criteria as outlined in the HPV Product page found here.
If you are using pick up, store the specimen at room-temperature and place the return package in the location identified just prior to the pickup window. If you are using drop-off, hold onto the package until Sunday evening or Monday morning to keep safe until pickup service is resumed.
The HPV test can detect the risk of cervical cancer, one of the few types of cancer that can be prevented. Almost all cervical cancers, more than 99%, are associated with HPV. HPV infection doesn't mean you have cancer, but it can suggest an increased risk of it developing. Screening for HPV infection can help your healthcare provider provide the care and follow up you need.
There are many variations of HPV, but only a few can cause cancer. The body usually can protect itself against HPV infections by successfully clearing the infection resulting in no potential cell changes. However, HPV that does not clear can cause the cells in the cervix to become abnormal and potentially pre-cancerous.
Individuals should inquire with their healthcare insurer to learn what coverage is available to them.
You can get a delivered anywhere Purolator and Canada Post provides service.
HPV is a very common virus with more than 100 strains or types. It spreads easily through sexual contact. It is estimated that 75 per cent of people will come into contact with HPV during their life. The virus usually goes away on its own without causing any problems, typically without symptoms. Sometimes symptoms may appear such as warts in the genital area that look like common skin warts.
Reference: Government of Canada. Human HPV Prevention and HPV vaccines (2017). Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/sexual-health-sexually-transmitted-infections/hpv-prevention-vaccines-questions-answers.html
HPV tests looks for viruses that increase the risk of developing cancer. Pap tests looks for abnormal cell changes, typically caused by HPV, on the cervix that might turn into cervical cancer.
If you are Transgender, it is best to talk to your healthcare provider to determine your specific screening needs.
Reference: As a transwoman, do I need to get screening for cervical cancer (2022). Canadian Cancer Society. https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/find-cancer-early/screening-in-lgbtq-communities/as-a-trans-woman-do-i-need-to-get-screened-for-cervical-cancer
All testing devices used by Switch Health are authorized by Health Canada and are validated at accredited and licensed Canadian laboratories.
Test results and related information are only shared with the patient. There is no requirement to report a positive test result to Public Health, nor is there any requirement to share the result with partners. It is the patient’s decision whether test results are shared with anyone else.
Standard shipping is 3-9 days, expedited 1-2 days(once shipped) shipping is available for an additional $25.
Fourteen HPV genotypes are considered pathogenic or high-risk for the progression of cervical Disease. Multiple studies have linked genotypes 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68 to disease progression. Women with a persistent infection with one of these types have an increased risk for developing severe cervical dysplasia or cervical carcinoma.
Results will indicate individual positive or negative results for 6 genotypes including 16, 18, 31, 45, 51 and 52. The remaining 8 genotypes are reported on in the following groups: P1 including genotype 33 & 58, P2 including genotypes 56, 59 & 66 and P3 including genotypes 35, 39 and 68. No matter your result, it is strongly recommended you discuss your personal risk with a healthcare practitioner.
A Pap test is looking for abnormal cervical cells from the sample and will not detect HPV.
If you have had a hysterectomy or pelvic surgery, it is best to speak to your healthcare provider to determine your specific screening needs.
Reference: Choosing Wisely (2019). Retrieved from https://www.choosingwisely.org/clinician-lists/asccp-paps-and-hpv-screening-after-hysterectomy/