Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 22 July 2025
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.
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.