Cervical Smears

What is a Cervical Smear?

• All women aged 25 to 64 are invited by letter to cervical screening (a smear test) to check the health of their cervix.
• Everyone with a cervix should go for a cervical smear, it’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent women from getting cancer
• The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina.
• During the screening appointment, a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix.
• The sample is checked for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. These are called “high risk” types of HPV.
• If these types of HPV are not found, you do not need any further tests.
• If these types of HPV are found, the sample is checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.

Results

If no abnormal cells were found, then the nurse or doctor will tell you when you can expect your letter.

You will still need to attend routine cervical screening appointments in the future.

If you had a biopsy you may need to wait 4 to 8 weeks to get your results.

How a Cervical Screening is Done?

Please watch video below to see how a cervical screening is done.