Cervical screening

What is cervical screening?

Cervical screening (a smear test) is a free health test that checks the health of your cervix. The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina. It is not a test for cancer, it is a test to help prevent cancer.

All women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are invited to attend an appointment by letter.

What happens during the appointment?

At your appointment, a nurse takes a sample of cells from your cervix using a small, soft brush. The test only takes a few minutes. 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.

Read more about what happens during the appointment.

Results

You should get your results by post within four weeks after your test. Most results will be clear.

Read more about the results of a cervical screening appointment.

If you have any queries or would like further information or support, please speak to a receptionist at the practice or visit www.jostrust.org.uk.