Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Evalyn Brush.

About using the Evalyn Brush

  • How do I use the Evalyn Brush? The Evalyn Brush is simple to use. Watch the short animated film or read the Instructions.
  • How often can I use the Evalyn Brush? The Evalyn Brush is meant for single use only. Reusing it can lead to contamination and an incorrect diagnosis.
  • Can use of the Evalyn Brush cause pain? The Evalyn Brush was specially designed for vaginal examination. The form with the fine hairs makes it easy to take a vaginal sample. This does not hurt.
  • The package is already open. Can I still use the Evalyn Brush? No, if the package is already open or damaged, it is better not to use this home test.
  • Can I use the Evalyn Brush when I have my period? No, it is better not to do the test when you have your period. Wait until your period is over to use the home test.
  • Can I use the Evalyn Brush at the same time as other vaginal products like the vaginal contraceptive ring, condoms and lubricants? It is best to stop using vaginal products at least 2 days before using the Evalyn Brush. This also applies to vaginal douches, vaseline and medication for fungal infections. You can keep using the vaginal contraceptive ring, condoms and water-based lubricants.
  • Can I use the Evalyn Brush when I am pregnant? No, it is better not to use the Evalyn Brush during pregnancy or for 3 months after delivery.
  • I forgot to wash my hands before I started using the Evalyn Brush. Is the test still good? It is more hygienic to wash your hands before use, but the test will still be useful.
  • I touched the white brush with my hands. What happens now? It is more hygienic not to touch the brush. But that will not have a negative effect on the test.
  • Do I have to do the test standing up? No, you can do the sampling in another position (for example, lying down) as long as you follow the instructions for use.
  • How can I be sure that I have collected enough cellular material and that the test has been successful? The Evalyn Brush was specially designed to sample sufficient cellular material. If you follow the instructions, the test will be successful.

About HPV and cervical cancer

  • What is HPV? HPV is the abbreviation for Human Papilloma Virus. There are many types of this virus. It causes the most commonly occurring sexually transmitted virus infection. Several subtypes can cause cervical cancer, for example types 16 and 18. Together they are responsible for about 70% of all cases of cervical cancer in the Netherlands.
  • How serious is HPV? Often you don’t notice that you have a HPV infection. The infection is ‘cleaned up’ by the immune system in most cases. If the virus remains for a longer period in the cervix, abnormal cells can develop. Usually, the abnormal cells disappear, but sometimes they continue to develop and turn into cervical cancer. All cases of cervical cancer are the result of a HPV infection. The average time between infection with the virus and the development of cervical cancer is long: about 20 years.
  • How commonly does cervical cancer occur? Because women in the Netherlands can have a PAP smear test done to detect cervical cancer at an early stage starting from the age of 30, the number of cases is only 500 to 600 per year. About one-third are fatal.

Read more about research into cervical cancer: www.rivm.nl

About Rovers Medical Devices

  • Who is Rovers Medical Devices? Rovers Medical Devices specialises in developing instruments for cell sampling for medical examinations. The company is located in Oss and works closely with partners all over the world. Its products are used worldwide in over 53 countries for medical examinations.
  • What kind of products does Rovers Medical Devices make? Rovers Medical Devices has many years of experience in developing, researching and producing different products for medical examinations. The products are known to be safe and reliable. The universally used Rovers® Cervex Brush® – well known from the PAP smear – is one of the products made by Rovers Medical Devices.