Smear tests for women involve an examination of the cervix (neck of the womb) to check for changes which occur before cancer develops. These changes can then be treated.
• All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening.
• You’ll be invited for screening every 5 years from when you’re 25 to 64 years old.
• You’ll get your first invitation a few months before you turn 25 however you will only be able to book the test after you turn 25.
• You may be invited more regularly if you have HPV positive.
• If you’re 65 or older, you’ll only be invited if a recent test was abnormal.
• You’ll get an invitation through the NHS App, by text or by letter asking you to make an appointment and telling you how to book.
• You can book an appointment as soon as you get an invitation.
• If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book an appointment.
Smear tests are usually performed by the Practice Nurse. We have a recall system in place to advise women in advance of their next smear test.
If you are newly registered with the practice, please inform us of the approximate date of your last cervical smear in order so we can put you into our recall system.
Patients wishing to check their results (and it is always wise to do this) should wait between four to five weeks before doing so – the approximate time taken by the laboratory to process the tests.