Cervical screening, which used to be called smear test, is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. It’s offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64.
How to book?
You’ll be sent an invitation letter in the post when it’s time to book your cervical screening appointment.
Your invitation letter will tell you where you can go for cervical screening and how to book.
When to book
Try to book your appointment as soon as you are invited.
If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for a letter and can book with the surgery.
It’s best to book an appointment for a time when:
- you’re not having a period – also try to avoid the 2 days before or after you bleed (if you do not have periods, you can book any time)
- you have finished treatment if you have had unusual vaginal discharge or a pelvic infection
Why is important to have cervical screening?
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. Cervical screening checks a sample of cells from your cervix for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). These types of HPV can cause abnormal changes to the cells in your cervix and are called “high risk” types of HPV. If these types of HPV are found during screening (an HPV positive result), the sample of cells is then checked for abnormal changes. If abnormal cells are not treated, they may turn into cervical cancer.
How Cervical Screening is Done
The Nurse will ask you to undress from the waist down, while you are doing this they will leave the room. When you have undressed you will be asked to position yourself on the couch and have a sheet to place over you.
The nurse will ask you to lie back on a bed, usually with your legs bent, feet together and knees apart. Sometimes you may need to change position during the test.
They will gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina. A small amount of lubricant may be used.
The nurse will open the speculum so they can see your cervix.
Using a soft brush, they’ll take a small sample of cells from your cervix.
The nurse will close and remove the speculum and leave you to get dressed.
When your results should arrive
The nurse or doctor will tell you when you can expect your results letter.
Try not to worry if it is taking a long time to get your results letter.
It does not mean anything is wrong, and most people will have a normal result.
What your results mean
Your results letter will explain what was tested for and what your results mean.
Sometimes you will be asked to come back in 3 months to have the test again. This does not mean there is anything wrong, it is because the results were unclear. This is sometimes called an inadequate result.