*2.2. Preanalytical Sample Processing*

Cervical samples were collected using an L-shaped FLOQSwab® (Copan, Brescia, Italy) and transported in a tube with 20 mL of PreservCyt® Solution (HOLOGIC, Marlborough, MA, USA). All samples were well shaken using vortex for 30 seconds, and 1.5 mL aliquots were made.

Vaginal self-samples were obtained using a FLOQSwab® (Copan, Brescia, Italy) and transported dry to the laboratory. Each specimen was suspended in 5.5 mL of PreservCyt® Solution (HOLOGIC, Marlborough, MA, USA), and 5 aliquots were made.

The Colli-Pee® 20 mL device allowed for capturing a first-void urine volume of 13 mL (+/−2 mL), in a collection device containing 7 mL of preservative urine conservation medium (UCM), leading to a final volume of 20 mL (+/−2 mL) [15]. Urine samples were aliquoted after arrival at the laboratory. One aliquot of each type of sample was sent to the Division of Laboratory Medicine of the European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy, for HPV testing.
