Planned Parenthood introduces self-collection HPV testing in Orange County

Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties now offers self-collection HPV testing for patients 30 and older at nine health centers, with samples sent to a lab and results reported within about three days.

Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties is offering a new self-collection option for HPV testing. The option is available for patients 30 and older at all nine of the affiliate’s health centers in Orange and San Bernardino counties, including sites in Costa Mesa, Anaheim and Santa Ana. HPV is common and is a leading cause of cervical cancer. Previously, cervical cancer screening at these centers typically required a full pelvic exam. Key details: - Self-collection HPV testing is available for patients 30 and older at nine PPOSBC health centers, including locations in Costa Mesa, Anaheim and Santa Ana. - Eligible patients use a test kit with instructions in a private exam room; samples are sent to a laboratory for diagnostics and results are reported in about three days. - PPOSBC officials say self-screening can lower barriers for patients who find pelvic exams stressful or have a history of sexual trauma or pain, and that many patients have welcomed the option since its launch. - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cited in the release, about 42 million Americans are infected with HPV types known to cause disease; roughly 13 million new infections occur annually and HPV is linked to about 36,000 new cancer cases each year. - The release notes that PPOSBC closed its Melody Health primary care practice and laid off staff after losing federal Medicaid reimbursements, which the organization described as a direct result of a federal funding change. Summary: Planned Parenthood says the self-collection option expands screening choices and can reduce barriers to cervical cancer screening for some patients. Undetermined at this time.