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Cervical Screening

Cervical screening (a smear test) checks the health of your cervix, the opening to your womb from your vagina. It is not a test for cancer, but it is to help prevent cancer developing. All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 should be invited by letter. 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 then checked for any changes in the cells of your cervix. These can then be treated before they get a chance to turn into cervical cancer.

Please book an appointment with the nurse when you receive your letter. We are only able to carry out tests which have been requested by Public Health England. So if you are under 25, or if your test is not due yet, you will not be able to have one. Get in touch if you are due a test but have not received your letter.

The first invitation is sent to eligible people at the age of 24.5 years. People aged 25 to 49 should receive invitations every 3 years. People aged 50 to 64 should receive invitations every 5 years. If you have had abnormal results in the past, you may be sent invitations more frequently.

Results

Your sample will be sent to a regional laboratory for analysis. You will receive your results by letter from Public Health England directly and not from Harborne Medical. Please ensure your contact details are up to date.

Click on this link for more information about the test.