New federal guidelines from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in the US allow women aged 30 to 65 at average risk of cervical cancer to self-collect a sample for screening, including home collection.[3][5] Screening is aimed at detecting the presence of high-risk types of human papillomavirus (hrHPV), which causes almost all cases of cervical cancer.[3][5] Updated guidelines recommend an hrHPV test every 5 years as the preferred test for women aged 30–65 years, and the sample can be collected by the doctor or the patient herself.[3][6] For women aged 21–29 years, the recommended screening remains cytological examination (Pap test).[3] The guidelines are based on evidence that self-sampling is as effective as healthcare provider-performed hrHPV testing.[3][5] The new rules also require that, from January 1, 2027, the majority of health insurance companies will pay for additional tests necessary for further investigation of any findings, free of charge.[3][6]