What is a cervical screening test?
A cervical screening test helps detect changes which if left untreated may progress to the development (usually over several years) of cervical cancer. A plastic brush is used to sample the cells at the cervix (neck of the womb) and the sample is then put into a liquid transport medium. At the laboratory this liquid is filtered and transferred to a glass slide which is then assessed by a lab scientist (a cytoscreener).
What is the difference between a smear and a cervical screening?
We used to use a wooden spatula to sample the cells at the cervix, and then "smear" the sample along a slide. That resulted in rather unsatisfactory samples and around 10% of patients had to return for a repeat test. The introduction of liquid based cytology in which the sample is suspended in liquid and then transferred evenly to a slide, provides a much more reliable sample and women are no longer being recalled because of technically unsatisfactory tests. The term "smear" no longer seems appropriate.
How quickly will I get my cervical screening result?
We are fortunate in having a laboratory which provides very rapid answers and we undertake to report all our cervical screenings within 10 working days, although in practice we usually have the results within 3-4 days.
How often should I have a cervical smear?
Current NHS guidelines are now to have cervical screening every 3 years to the age of 50 and thereafter every 5 years. Here at the Harrow Health Care Centre we are aware that many women would prefer to be screened annually or at least every 2 years. A cervical screening is not a full-proof test and there are some forms of glandular cervical cancer which are not easily detected with cervical screening. We currently recommend our under 40's to have an annual cervical screen and those over 40 to have tests done every 2 years.
Why aren't woman under 24 being offered cervical screening?
The current Government guideline is to commence screening at 24. Cervical screening in very young patients is not a reliable way of detecting cervical cancer. There is a poor association with the level of abnormalities suspected on a cervical screening and actual cancer.
What is liquid based cytology?
This is the new technique being introduced throughout the country to replace the old cervical smear tests. The sample from the neck of the womb is taken using a plastic brush, which is transferred to a liquid. At the laboratory this liquid is processed to remove debris and then transferred in a uniform way to a slide. This results in a better produced slide for the cytoscreener (scientist who evaluate the slides) and has resulted in a more efficient way of screening. Previously about 10% of cervical smears were not satisfactory for technical purposes and with the advent of liquid based cytology this has been reduced to around 0.5 -1%. The Harrow Health Care Centre has been using liquid based cytology for over 4 years.
Are there any other advantages of using liquid based cytology?
Yes. A sample can also provide an HPV test and a whole host of sexually transmitted disease screening.
What is an HPV test?
HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus. There are several strains of HPV, some of which are associated with cervical cancer. An HPV test looks for the presence of particular strains of virus, which would help evaluate other cervical cell changes. If none of the worrying HPV strains are detected, this makes any minor cervical change much less concerning. It is possible HPV testing may ultimately replace the need for the cytoscreener to visually detect cervical cell changes.
I have a new sexual partner can I have a sexual health check?
Full sexual health screening can be provided at the Harrow Health Care Centre. We recommend a half-hour consultation at which we will check for Chlamydia (by urine PCR), Gonorrhoea, HIV, Hepatitis B, Herpes Antigen, Syphilis and take a vaginal/urethral swab for culture, mycoplasma and ureaplasma. Most of these results will be available within three days but some e.g. Herpes may take five days).
Can I have a chlamydia screen?
Yes. Chlamydia screening is easily available on a urine sample for both men and women. No examination is required and it can be performed without seeing a doctor.
I am worried, can I have an HIV test?
An HIV blood test is often requested by "the worried well". If you are considering having an HIV blood test you will need to book a consultation with one of our doctors. This is always required, as the implications of a positive test must be appreciated before we proceed with any testing.
Gardasil Vaccine to Protect Against Cervical Cancer: The Harrow Health Care Centre is pleased to offer the new vaccine to protect against cervical cancer. The new vaccine Gardasil provides 100% protection against the two main strains of HPV (human papilloma virus) which cause 70-80% of all cervical cancers. Gardasil also protects against the other strains of HPV which cause ano-genital warts.
Further information and frequently asked questions about Gardasil
(pdf document 68 KB)
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