Cervical Screening
The Surgery offers appointments for Cervical Screening every day with three female Practice Nurses.
Alternatively you may be directed to have your cervical screening done at Litherland Town Hall (GP 7 DAY SERVICES). They may be able to offer you a more suitable appointment as they offer weekends and late night appointments - If you have your cervical screening done there your results are electronically sent back to us in the same manner.
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What is Cervical Screening?
Cervical screening (a smear test) is a very important test for women that checks the health of your cervix. (The cervix is the opening to your womb from your vagina).
Who needs to have Cervical Screening?
All women aged between the screening age will receive their invites for cervical screening via letter. (If you are unsure when you are due for a smear test you can contact the surgery and we can check your records for you).
Do lesbian and bisexual women still need cervical screening? - Please click HERE for further information.
What happens during Cervical Screening?
Before the screening begins the nurse will explain what will happen during the examination and answer any questions you may have. You may also be asked a few health questions and have your Height/Weight and Blood Pressure taken.
Please Note: You will be asked if you wish to have a chaperone present during the examination.
- You'll need to undress, behind a screen, from the waist down. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.
- The nurse will ask you to lie back on a bed, usually with your legs bent, feet together and knees apart. Sometimes you may need to change position during the test.
- They'll gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina. A small amount of lubricant may be used.
- The nurse will open the speculum so they can see your cervix.
- Using a soft brush, they'll take a small sample of cells from your cervix.
- The nurse will close and remove the speculum and leave you to get dressed.
What happens after Cervical Screening?
After your Cervical Screening the nurse will send the sample taken from your Cervix to the Laboratory at the hospital. 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 until your next re-call date.
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.
You'll get your results by letter, usually in about 2 weeks. It will explain what happens next.
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Important Information:
- Try not to put off cervical screening. It's one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
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You can book an appointment as soon as you get a letter.
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If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for a letter to book an appointment.
- If you are worried about having symptoms including: bleeding between periods, during or after sex, or after you have been through the menopause or unusual vaginal discharge then please make an appointment with a GP. Do not wait for your next cervical screening appointment.
For further information / Help and Support please click HERE
For an information leaflet please click HERE
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