Smear test (cervical screening test)

A cervical smear test checks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. Finding these changes can prevent cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix) from developing.

A smear test is usually the first part of cervical screening. This is a way of collecting a small sample of cells from the cervix. It is also called the cervical screening test.

Finding and treating these changes can prevent cervical cancer developing.

We have information about why it is important to have cervical screening.

The NHS is researching a new way of doing cervical screening. Instead of having a cervical smear test, you are given a vaginal swab to do yourself. If your test shows HPV, you will then be offered a cervical smear test.

Self-sampling is being researched in some areas of London in 2021.

Usually a nurse or doctor can do the test for you at your GP practice or sexual health clinic. If you have questions or worries about the test, let the nurse or doctor know. They will understand and try to make you comfortable. A cervical smear test takes less than 5 minutes. It should not hurt, but sometimes it can feel uncomfortable.

When you are ready, you undress from the waist down. You then lie on your back on an examination couch. Some clinics have couches with foot or leg supports that you can rest your legs up on. You will be asked to lie with your knees bent and apart.

The doctor or nurse gently puts an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. This holds the vagina open so that they can see the cervix. They then sweep a small, soft plastic brush over the cervix to take the sample of cells.

 

Ask the nurse or doctor when you will get your test results. Usually you will get a letter with the results within 2 to 4 weeks. If you do not hear anything by 6 weeks, tell your GP so they can check for you.

We have more information about cervical screening results.

We want everyone affected by cancer to feel our information is written for them.

We want our information to be as clear as possible. To do this, we try to:

• use plain English
• explain medical words
• use short sentences
• use illustrations to explain text
• structure the information clearly
• make sure important points are clear.

We use gender-inclusive language and talk to our readers as ‘you’ so that everyone feels included. Where clinically necessary we use the terms ‘men’ and ‘women’ or ‘male’ and ‘female’. For example, we do so when talking about parts of the body or mentioning statistics or research about who is affected.

You can read more about how we produce our information here.