Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automated sample processing system that can receive samples in different first and second formats and process both sample formats. The disclosure also provides a human papillomavirus testing apparatus. The apparatus has a first input to receive first test specimens in the form of pre-processed cervical samples, and a second input to receive unprocessed cervical samples. A first subsystem prepares second test specimens from the unprocessed cervical samples, and a second subsystem selectively processes and tests first specimens, second test specimens, or first and second test specimens to determine the presence of one or more human papillomavirus indicators.