The cervical screening test

Cervical screening doesn’t diagnose cancer. It’s used to detect early changes in cells of the cervix|, which may develop into cancer in the future.

The best time to have the test is in the middle of your menstrual cycle when you are midway between periods.

The screening test is a very simple procedure and takes less than five minutes. It can be uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful. There are no side effects and once it’s over you should be able to get back to your normal day. The person carrying out the test will explain the procedure and you should feel able to ask questions at any time.

Many women feel nervous and embarrassed about going for a cervical screening test. These are natural emotions and they shouldn’t stop you having it done. If you feel unsure about having the test it may be helpful to discuss your concerns and worries with the practice nurse or your GP. They can talk to you about the screening and help reassure you so you feel able to have the test.

Liquid-based cytology Back to top

Once you’re lying comfortably on the couch, the doctor or nurse will gently put an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to keep it open. A special brush will be used to gently take cells from the cervix. The head of the brush is then either rinsed into a small container of preservative or snapped off and put into the container. The container will be sent to the laboratory for examination.

In the laboratory, any blood or mucus that could spoil the test is removed from the sample and a thin layer of cervical cells are then spread onto a microscope slide and examined under a microscope. Liquid-based cytology preserves more cells, and makes the need for a repeat test less likely than with a smear test.

Results Back to top

You'll receive a letter with your results within about two weeks of having the test done. A copy of the report is also sent to the GP practice where the test was done. If you don’t hear anything within six weeks, you can phone the surgery or clinic and ask them to check up on your results.

If the results show there may be abnormal cells in the cervix, you will be contacted and another test| will be arranged. Alternatively, an appointment may be arranged with a specialist, for example a gynaecologist or a nurse colposcopist.