Guided HPV testing from the comfort of home

Testing regularly for HPV—even if you’re vaccinated—is an integral way for sexually active adults to prevent cervical cancer.

THE FACTS

HPV can lead to cervical cancer, but it doesn’t have to.

At-home HPV testing can help catch HPV so you can take steps to prevent cervical cancer.

If your results are abnormal, we can set you up with tailored aftercare support with one of our trusted healthcare partners or you can download your results to bring to your own doctor -- both options are included at no extra cost with every test.

15.9 million

Canadian women are at risk of cervical cancer¹

95%

Of cervical cancer cases are due to HPV²

75%

Of sexually active men and women will get at least one HPV infection in their lifetime³

1,450

Canadian women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2022⁴

Reliable HPV testing on your terms is here

Unlike Pap smears, our HPV Collection Kit is designed for at home use and has over 90% accuracy⁵

switch health

Health Canada authorized

Official requisition issued

Test from home

Results delivered after every test

Vaginal swab (instead of cervical)

Short wait to see healthcare provider

Discreet shipping

Traditional

switch health

Traditional

Health Canada authorized

Official requisition issued

switch health

Health Canada authorized

Official requisition issued

Test from home

Results delivered after every test

Vaginal swab (instead of cervical)

Short wait to see healthcare provider

Discreet shipping

THE NUMBERS

We’re changing the face of healthcare

...and we’re just getting started.

3M

Tests completed

2M

People helped

99.98%

ASMO platform uptime

The HPV test kit is an innovative and convenient at home test that empowers women to test themselves when needed and protect themselves against cervical cancer.

Rona Ambrose

Hear it from real people

We are creating a more accessible, patient-centric digital healthcare experience

“Our HPV Collection Kit will allow women to assess their own personal risk for cervical cancer in the privacy and comfort of home. This has the potential to not only increase the number of Canadian women getting tested, but also reduce the burden on our stretched health care systems.”

Dr. Gregory W. Taylor

Former Chief Public Health Officer of Canada Chief Medical Officer, Switch Health

Hear it from real people

We are creating a more accessible, patient-centric digital healthcare experience

“Most public screening programs in Canada test for abnormal cervical cells every three years. But cervical cancer can develop much quicker than that. Only six months before I was diagnosed, my pap smear result was normal. If you’re like me, and your body does not clear an HPV infection, you could develop cervical cancer. But routine screening combined with regular HPV testing will give women who are not able clear this virus a real chance to fight, and survive, cervical cancer.”

Liz Ellwood

Cervical Cancer Survivor

BEST SELLERS

Sexual health

Questions? We’ve got answers.

Is this test authorized for use in Canada?

All testing devices used by Switch Health are authorized by Health Canada and are validated at accredited and licensed Canadian laboratories.

I am male – can I take this test?

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. Seeherefor more information on the cervix.

Does my insurance provider cover this?

Individuals should inquire with their healthcare insurer to learn what coverage is available to them.

Can I share my results with my own family doctor?

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.

I live in a remote region; how can I get a kit?

You can get a delivered anywhere Purolator and Canada Post provides service.

How long will it take me to get my results back?

Results should be ready within 4-5 business days of being picked up by Purolator.

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and how is it spread?

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

Do I need to be tested for HPV? Who should take this test?

Testing for HPV is recommended for sexually active individuals over 25 years of age with a cervix.

How is HPV testing different from a Pap test?

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. 

Will individuals who have been vaccinated still need to be tested for HPV?

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

Can I use this kit if I am Transgender?

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

When should I repeat the test?

Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if repeating the HPV test is right for you.

Why does this kit cost money when pap tests are free?

While Health Canada estimates approximately 70% of sexually active men and women will have a sexually transmitted HPV infection at some point in their lives, at this time the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not currently cover HPV testing.

Does the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) cover this?

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.

Will I have to notify partners if I receive a positive test result?

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.

Can I buy this test for someone else?

Individuals who take a Switch Health HPV Collection Kit must meet criteria as outlined in the HPV Product page found here.

After I order, how long does it take for me to receive my kit?

Standard shipping is 3-9 days, expedited 1-2 days(once shipped) shipping is available for an additional $25.

What do I do if I complete my test on Friday but Purolator does not pick up until Monday?

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.

What is being tested and why?

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.

Why is HPV testing important?

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.

Why does a Pap test not detect HPV?

A Pap test is looking for abnormal cervical cells from the sample and will not detect HPV.

Does HPV cause cancer?

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.  

Can I use this kit if I have had a hysterectomy or pelvic surgery?

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/