Cervical Smear Tests

Cervical Smear Tests

What is a cervical smear test?

A sample of cells is taken from the cervix, the neck of the womb, and checked in a laboratory to look for any not normal cells. Cell changes are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This is a very common virus and most sexually active women will have been in contact with some of these viruses. We know that there are fourteen high risk HPV types. Minor cell changes are fairly common and usually clear up without any treatment. However if the cell changes are caused by a high risk HPV type, they are less likely to clear without treatment. Since 2015 samples showing minor changes are tested for HPV and if high risk HPV is found the woman is referred for further testing in a hospital outpatient colposcopy unit. In women where there are more significant cell changes, HPV typing is not done because a referral to a colposcopy unit is made.

You can use the calendar below to find out when you should book your smear test and contact us to make an appointment or use the booking form.

To find out when you should book your next appointment for a smear test, insert the date of the first day of your most recent period here: You should book your appointment betweenand

WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED?

WHAT IS THE NORMAL SCREENING INTERVAL?

IS THERE A PARTICULAR TIME OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE TO HAVE A SMEAR TEST?

WHEN WILL I GET A RESULT?

IS THERE ANOTHER OPTION?

HOW DO I GET THE RESULT?

WHAT IS THE MOST LIKELY RESULT?

WHAT HAPPENS IF CELL CHANGES ARE DETECTED?

OTHER RESULTS

IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO IF I HAVE MINOR CELL CHANGES?

HOSPITAL REFERRAL - WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE IN HOSPITAL?

WHAT HAPPENS IF A BIOPSY IS TAKEN?

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

TREATMENT