BD has received approval from Health Canada for the BD Onclarity HPV Assay for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for the use of self-collected vaginal specimens at home.  

This approval brings Canada one step closer to achieving the collective goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040 and underscores BD’s commitment to advancing women’s health.

“Self-collection is a game-changer for health equity, as it removes the logistical, financial and psychological barriers many women face when accessing traditional screening methods,” stated Ivy Parks, president of BD Canada. “By providing a convenient and reliable option for HPV testing at home, we are not only improving access to care but also empowering women to take proactive steps in managing their health. This innovation is a testament to BD’s dedication to breaking down barriers and ensuring all women, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to protect themselves from cervical cancer.”

Compared to the traditional Pap test, HPV self-collection is less invasive, more cost-effective, and requires less frequent testing, now recommended every five years. The accuracy of self-collection for HPV is at the same standard as clinician-collected samples, making cervical cancer prevention more accessible, especially to remote, rural, and vulnerable populations. 

This is critical, considering cervical cancer incidence is three-fold higher in underserved populations in remote communities who have limited access to screening when compared to the general population.

BD Onclarity HPV Assay is the only Health Canada licensed test that supports self-collection with HPV extended genotyping to measure a woman’s true risk for cervical pre-cancer and cancer more precisely.