People with a cervix between the ages of 24-and-a-half and 64 are invited by the national screening service to undergo cervical screening tests to check the health of the cervix and help to prevent cervical cancer.
It is a routine test where a small sample of cells are taken from your cervix and tested for a virus called HPV (human papillomavirus). If this virus is present, it can lead to changes in the cells of your cervix that may need to be examined more closely in a Colposcopy clinic. The frequency of cervical screening tests depends on whether the virus or abnormal cells are found.
Most of the time, cervical screening is done at your local GP practice, however on occasion your GP may refer you to the hospital for this test. This can be for many reasons, including; if the GP practice do not have access to the correct equipment to do your cervical screening test (such as hoists if you have limited mobility) or they may not have been able to locate your cervix. If this is the case, you will be referred to a clinic here that has more access to equipment and a wider range of speculum sizes that can help you to undergo your cervical screening test successfully.
You will always be able to discuss with the nurse or doctor who sees you about any additional needs you may have, so that the best plan of care can be made for you.
Once your cervical screening test has been completed, the hospital will inform your GP of the results and the next steps for your onward care. If any abnormalities are found, you will be referred to the Colposcopy clinic; either on an urgent or routine basis; please see link below for more information regarding this clinic.
Last reviewed: 27 November 2024
