HPV PCR in urine specimen: How much the detection rate?

Last updated: August 15, 2026

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Today, we are going to focus on HPV PCR urine test. It has been several years practicing here in Cambodia, there’re more patients being here at my urology office were seeking some advice on Human Papilloma virus infection issue or HPV. We are all known that this viral infection can leads to the following problems.

• Urology center Bangkok hospital Thailand Booking online 02-310-3009 bhquro@bdms.co.th
• Samitivej Sriracha hospital Chonburi 088-022-1445

• Risk of penile cancer in men and Cervical cancer in women
• Risk of genital warts

One of the most common questions is “What was the proper investigation for HPV detection?” Well, today we’re going to dig more about that.

Basically, the specimen that rich in HPV particle is genital secretion, so the best investigation for HPV detection must be genital swab for PCR (Polymerase chain reaction method). Unfortunately, there were several difficulty reasons in term of genital swab collecting procedure for examples.

• Painful during collecting the genital secretion specimen
• Scared or shied during collecting method

That is why HPV PCR in urine specimen is invented. It is simple, non-invasive, and reliable method.

How can we get a good HPV PCR urine sample?

• First urine in the morning gains the most concentrated HPV particle which maximize detection rate.

How much the detection rate we can prospect from HPV PCR in urine specimen if comparing to HPV PCR in genital swab?

• 81.5% detection rate is reported.

Which type of HPV can be detected from HPV GenoArray PCR technique?

• 21 HPV types can be detected which will be divided into
  • 15 High-risk types (risk of penile or cervical cancer) – 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68.
  • 6 Low-risk types (risk of genital warts) – 6, 11, 42, 43, 44 and 81.

HPV PCR in urine specimen shows acceptable detection rate if comparing to the gold standard investigation and can be considered as a good alternative way for Urology practicing. Any questions, talk to your trusted Urologist, or it would be my honor if you text me.

You can visit my official homepage here.

Frequently Asked Questions About HPV PCR Urine Test

Can HPV be detected through a urine test?

Yes. HPV PCR in urine specimen is a simple, non-invasive alternative to genital swab testing. It was developed to overcome the discomfort and anxiety associated with traditional genital swab collection. Using a morning urine sample — which contains the most concentrated HPV particles — the urine PCR test achieves a detection rate of approximately 81.5% compared to the gold standard genital swab method.

Which HPV types can be detected by the urine PCR test?

The HPV GenoArray PCR technique can detect 21 HPV types. These are divided into 15 high-risk types associated with penile or cervical cancer (types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68) and 6 low-risk types associated with genital warts (types 6, 11, 42, 43, 44, and 81). Knowing the specific HPV type guides risk stratification and clinical management.

Why is urine preferred over genital swab for HPV detection in some patients?

Genital swab collection — the gold standard for HPV detection — can be painful and emotionally uncomfortable for many patients. The urine PCR test eliminates these barriers by providing a private, painless, and self-collected alternative with acceptable accuracy. For patients who are reluctant to undergo a genital swab, urine HPV PCR is a practical and clinically reliable option.

If you are concerned about HPV infection and would like confidential testing and expert guidance, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers specialist consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. Book a Consultation.

Disclaimer: This content is written and reviewed by Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, a board-certified urologist at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medical treatment.