Period Blood Test Shows Promise as New Cervical Cancer Screening Method | HPV Testing in Menstrual Blood: Study Findings

New research suggests that testing menstrual blood for human papillomavirus (HPV) could offer a convenient and non-invasive alternative to traditional cervical cancer screening methods. The findings, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), indicate that analyzing a sample collected on a sanitary pad may be as accurate as samples taken by a clinician.

The study, conducted by researchers in China, involved over 3,000 women aged 20 to 54 between September 2021 and January 2025. Participants provided menstrual blood using a sterile mini pad during their period, and also underwent standard cervical sampling performed by healthcare professionals. Both samples were then tested for HPV DNA.

The results demonstrated “comparable diagnostic accuracy” between the two methods for detecting CIN2+, or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2, a precancerous condition. This suggests that menstrual blood testing could be an “equivalent alternative or replacement” to current screening practices, according to the study authors.

Cervical cancer charities are optimistic about the potential of this new approach to increase screening participation rates. Currently, approximately one in three women and people with a cervix do not attend scheduled cervical screenings when invited, a figure health organizations aim to reduce to 80% to support the goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040.

Helen Hyndman, lead nurse at The Eve Appeal, a gynaecological cancers charity, expressed hope that a less invasive testing method could broaden access to screening. “There are several reasons why women and people with a cervix may find this test more accessible to them, for example it’s much less invasive,” she said. “it may help for people who have physical needs, learning disabilities, cultural barriers, are survivors of sexual violence and those who had found screening difficult due to previous bad experiences.”

The potential benefits extend beyond increased participation. According to Hyndman, the availability of at-home testing could also alleviate some of the administrative burden on healthcare providers by reducing the number of follow-up appointments needed to encourage screening attendance.

However, the research also highlights limitations. The study acknowledges that the test is not suitable for individuals who do not menstruate or have infrequent periods, potentially excluding a significant portion of the population. Jenny Greenfield, trustee and director of UK Cervical Cancer, raised concerns about this, noting that the test may not be appropriate for women who are perimenopausal or using certain forms of contraception, such as the Mirena coil, Depo-Provera, or the implant, as these can suppress menstruation.

Greenfield also questioned the practicality of the collection method, pointing out that many individuals use tampons rather than pads. She emphasized the need for further research to determine whether the test can be adapted for use with different menstrual hygiene products.

even with a positive result from a menstrual blood test, a colposcopy and smear test would still be required for further evaluation. “If someone is HPV positive, we still need to get them through the doors for a colposcopy and a smear test. Those are huge barriers,” Greenfield stated.

Despite these challenges, researchers believe that combining standardized menstrual blood collection with a dedicated mobile app for result delivery could offer a practical pathway to expand access to cervical cancer screening. The study suggests that the “minipad” collection method, coupled with the Early Test mobile app, could resolve real-world applicability issues.

Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal, emphasized the importance of offering a range of screening options to address diverse barriers and concerns. “The ability to test for HPV in menstrual blood isn’t the answer for everyone though. People have different barriers and concerns about screening, so being able to offer a choice of different methods could be very positive for some who are eligible for screening but don’t currently attend.”

In November 2025, the government announced that under-screened women in England would be offered HPV self-sampling kits for at-home testing, a move that aligns with the broader effort to improve cervical cancer prevention rates. This new research into menstrual blood testing represents another potential step forward in making screening more accessible and convenient for all.

Health officials continue to stress the importance of attending scheduled cervical screening appointments when invited and encourage individuals to discuss any concerns or questions with their healthcare providers.