A sample collection kit (10) for detecting the presence of the human papillomavirus in samples containing cervico-vaginal cells. The sample collection kit includes a pre-addressed envelope (12) containing a sample collection device (18) and a specimen processing card (14) having two testing surfaces (40a,40b), one of which is accessible on either side of the specimen processing card. In use, the sample collection device is inserted into the subjects vagina to collect a sample of cervico-vaginal cells and then the sample collection device is wiped against one of two testing surfaces on the specimen processing card to transfer the sample of endocervical cells to the processing card. Next, the subject disposes the specimen processing card in the pre-addressed envelope and forwards the pre-addressed envelope with the specimen processing card to a medical testing facility.
