Wishart welcomes HPV home testing roll out

Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart has welcomed the announcement that human papillomavirus (HPV) at-home self-sampling NHS cervical screening programme is to be rolled out in Scotland by spring 2026 as confirmed by the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health following Ms Wishart’s written question to the Scottish Government.

The initial roll out of at-home self-sampling is set to focus on reducing inequalities by promoting kits to some of the most deprived areas in Scotland first, where cervical screening uptake is lower.

The UK National Screening Committee made recommendations in June 2025 that evidence supports offering HPV self-sampling to individuals who have not attended their cervical screening appointment within six months of their most recent invitation. Self-sampling is said to have the potential to significantly enhance accessibility and increase participation in life-saving cervical screening.

The roll out of HPV at-home self-sampling NHS cervical screening would emulate a programme already in place in England.

Ms Wishart said:

“I welcome the news of greater accessibility to HPV testing. Cervical screenings and attending appointments can be intimidating and a barrier to healthcare that home testing can sidestep.

“I would of course urge anyone called for a cervical screening to attend the appointment. I hope that in the future self-screening will help drive up the numbers of tests and early detection of cancer.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Ms Wishart’s question to the Health Minister can be found here and the text of the question below:

Question reference: S6W-38966

• Asked by: Beatrice Wishart, MSP for Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
• Date lodged: 25 June 2025
• Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 22 July 2025

Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its position regarding introducing at-home human papillomavirus self-sampling as part of the NHS cervical screening programme, in light of reports that such at-home screening tests are to be offered in England.

Answer

The Scottish Government welcomes the recommendation made by the UK National Screening Committee in June 2025 that evidence supports offering HPV self-sampling to individuals who have not attended their cervical screening appointment within six months of their most recent invitation. Self-sampling has the potential to significantly enhance accessibility and increase participation in life-saving cervical screening.

The cervical screening programme in Scotland is working towards offering the first self-sampling kits by spring 2026. The initial roll out will focus on reducing inequalities through offering self-sampling to some of the most deprived areas first, as we know cervical screening uptake is lower in these areas.