What happens at a cervical screening appointment?
What is the Cervical Screening Test?
A Cervical Screening Test is a quick and simple procedure that looks for an infection called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer.[1]
The procedure can be performed by a healthcare provider or you can collect your own sample—this is called self-collection.
Who performs a Cervical Screening Test?
There are two options for having a Cervical Screening Test:
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You can have your doctor or nurse collect your sample.
- You can collect your own sample (self-collection).
It will only take a few minutes for your healthcare provider or yourself to take the sample. Make an appointment with your doctor or nurse to decide which option is best for you.
If you are interested in the self-collection option, you can find you can find more information on our website.
A step-by-step guide to your cervical screening appointment
If you opt for cervical screening by your doctor or nurse:
When you arrive for your Cervical Screening Test, the doctor or nurse will take you to a private room where they will talk to you about the test and what it involves.
When you are ready, you will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on your back on an examination table.
The doctor or nurse will usually give you a sheet to cover yourself.
You will be asked to lie on your back with your knees apart. When you are comfortable, the doctor or nurse will gently insert a speculum into your vagina – this holds your vagina open and makes it easier to see your cervix. Your doctor or nurse may warm the speculum to make the procedure more comfortable.
A sample of cells are collected from your cervix and sent to a laboratory for testing. This part of the process only takes a few minutes. It may feel uncomfortable when the sample is being collected, but it should not hurt. Make sure you tell your doctor or nurse if you feel any pain.
When your Cervical Screening Test is complete, you can get dressed in private while the doctor of nurse prepares your sample.
Your sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing to look for any HPV. Your doctor or nurse will explain how you will get your results.
The good news is, if HPV is not found in your cells, your next Cervical Screening Test will be in five years’ time.
If you opt for cervical screening self-collection:
Your doctor or nurse will give you a swab, instructions about how to collect the sample and a private place (behind a screen or in a separate room) where you can take your sample.
It's best if you take your sample at the clinic so that the doctor or nurse can send it straight away to the laboratory for testing.
However, if you prefer you can ask your doctor or nurse if you can take the swab away and can collect your sample at home. If you choose to do this, you will need to return your swab as per the instructions, to your doctor or nurse as soon as possible so that they can send your sample to the laboratory.
You'll be given instructions about how to collect the sample by your doctor or nurse. You take your sample using a long cotton swab self-inserted a few centimetres into your vagina. After removing the swab, put it back into the tube it came in.
Hand your swab, in its tube, to your doctor or nurse as per the instruction you were given.
Your sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing, to look for any HPV. Your doctor or nurse will explain how you will get your results.
If HPV is found in your self-collected sample, depending on the type of HPV, you will either need to return to have a sample of cells taken from your cervix by your doctor or nurse or you will be referred directly to a specialist for further tests or treatment.
The good news is, if HPV is not found in your cells, your next Cervical Screening Test will be in five years’ time.
Are you worried or anxious about cervical screening?
Even though cervical screening is a very quick test, some people may find it difficult, uncomfortable or embarrassing.
The test can save your life by preventing cervical cancer. A few minutes every five years is a bit of discomfort for a lot of peace of mind.
