Cervical Smears

A cervical smear checks your cervix (the neck of the womb) to see if it’s healthy. The test involves collecting a sample of cells using a small brush which is then tested for an infection with a virus called the human papilloma virus (HPV). 

HPV infections are really common and most people get HPV at some point in their lives - usually, your body will get rid of the infection and you won't know that you have the virus. If you don’t have HPV, you’re very unlikely to have abnormal cells or to develop cervical cancer. This means the cells in the sample will not be examined further.

However, if you do have HPV, the sample will then be tested for any changes in your cells. These changes could develop into cervical cancer. In these circumstances, abnormal cells will either be monitored or treated to stop the cancer developing. 

A smear test is a quick procedure and, although some can find it uncomfortable, it should not hurt. To look at your cervix, your doctor will use an instrument called a speculum gently open your vagina. Then a small, soft brush will be used to take a sample of cells from your cervix. This sample then gets sent off to be analysed.  

•  No HPV detected – you are extremely unlikely to have abnormal cells or to develop cervical cancer. In this case, you will return to normal recall for your next smear.

• · HPV detected but no abnormal cells – you will be asked to have another test at some point within a year to see if the infection has gone. If your screening test shows you have HPV but normal cervical cells, you to have a colposcopy for more tests.

• ·HPV detected and borderline or mild changes – you will be asked to have more tests such as a colposcopy to look at your cervix more closely. This is usually within six weeks.

•  HPV detected and moderate or severe changes - cells with these changes are less likely to return to normal on their own. Therefore, you would be offered a colposcopy to examine your cervix, usually within two weeks, to see if you do need treatment.

If your result comes back as inadequate this can be because there were not enough cells in the sample or the cells could not be seen clearly. In this instance, a repeat test will be offered.

If your screening test shows abnormal cells, you will be asked to have a more detailed test called a colposcopy.