# HPV test: what it is, who needs it and what results mean

_HPV test: who needs it, how often, how it is done and what results mean, with Kenya guidance and costs._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/hpv-test

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> An HPV test checks for high-risk HPV, the virus behind most cervical cancer. In Kenya it is recommended for women aged 25 to 65; the preferred cervical screening test, every 5 years if negative.

**HPV test at a glance**

| Who needs it | How often | What results mean | Cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Women aged 25 to 65; the preferred cervical screening test. | Every 5 years if negative. | A positive result means HPV is present, not cancer; a VIA check usually follows. | The SHA benefit tariffs list an HPV test at KES 3,600. |

## HPV test: common questions

**Q: What does the HPV test check for?**

A: High-risk HPV, the virus behind most cervical cancer.

**Q: Who should have it?**

A: Women aged 25 to 65; the preferred cervical screening test.

**Q: How often?**

A: Every 5 years if negative.

**Q: How is it done?**

A: A swab from the cervix, taken by a clinician or, in some programmes, by yourself.

**Q: What do the results mean?**

A: A positive result means HPV is present, not cancer; a VIA check usually follows.

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: The SHA benefit tariffs list an HPV test at KES 3,600.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's risk assessment (Cancer risk assessments, KES 300) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [Social Health Authority, Benefit tariffs](https://sha.go.ke/benefit-tariffs/)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, National Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Guidelines](https://www.iccp-portal.org/resources/national-cancer-screening-and-early-diagnosis-guidelines)

## Other screening tests

- [Breast ultrasound in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/breast-ultrasound)
- [Clinical breast exam in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/clinical-breast-exam)
- [Colonoscopy in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/colonoscopy)
- [Digital rectal exam in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/digital-rectal-exam)
- [HPV vaccine in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/hpv-vaccine)
- [Mammogram in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/mammogram)
- [Pap smear in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/pap-smear)
- [PSA test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/psa-test)