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Results of Cervical screening test

The results of the cervical screening test should be available in writing from your GP within six weeks from the date of the cervical screening test.

If the results show abnormal cell changes (dysplasia), further investigation may be necessary. Depending on the degree of change, your GP will arrange for a second cervical screening test or will refer you to a gynaecologist for an examination called a colposcopy. This procedure uses a low-powered microscope to look at the cervix in more detail and decide on the best course of treatment. If necessary, a sample of tissue (biopsy) can be taken from the cervix for diagnosis. Not all abnormal changes need to be referred for colposcopy or treatment - sometimes your GP will recommend simply waiting to see if the changes disappear on their own.

The medical name for cervical changes is cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN). CIN is not cancer, but in some cases can go on to develop into cancer. CIN 1 refers to mild dysplasia, CIN 2 to moderate dysplasia, and CIN 3 to severe dysplasia. A biopsy can also identify rare cases when cells have progressed from dysplasia into cancer.

A small number of women are asked to return for a second cervical screening test because the first one was inadequate. This means the laboratory was not able to analyse the cells from the first test. This may be because of blood in the sample making the cells difficult to see, or because not enough cells were collected to give an accurate result..

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