(updated 13 March 2024)
Have you ever wondered what happens to your sample once you’ve had your cervical screening?
Take a trip with us.
First, let’s get your sample
Your cervical screening is due and you’ve made your appointment with a registered GP or general practice nurse - your sample taker. During your appointment, your sample taker takes a sample of cells from your cervix using a small brush. Your sample is placed in a pot.
Now, let’s start the journey
Your sample is placed in a designated box and sent to one of the laboratories that we use within 3 days. Your cervical screening form travels with your sample. The form provides the laboratory with all your relevant details, including clinical details and your consent for the transfer of your data.
Your sample arrives at the lab
Your sample is welcomed at the ‘sample reception’ of the laboratory. It’s unpacked, checked and given a unique number. This number is used to book in your sample and all your details to the lab’s computer system. A number of different data entry points are used to make sure that the right sample is booked in with the right person’s details.
Your sample is checked in for testing
First, your sample is checked to make sure it is acceptable for testing. Sometimes the lab may not be able to test a sample, for example if the vial (tube) your sample was put in has been damaged or has expired. If this happens, we’ll send you a letter explaining that you’ll need to have a repeat test.
Once your sample is deemed eligible for testing, it’s taken to the HPV testing area and placed into an analyser - a machine that tests your sample for the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are a lot of types of HPV and the test is for 14 high-risk types. These high-risk types of HPV cause most cervical cancers.
At this stage of your sample’s journey, there are a number of different routes it may take.
Your sample journey ends, until next time
When HPV is not found, your sample test result is signed off by a scientist. The lab will send your result to your sample taker and to our team at CervicalCheck. We’ll send you a letter with your result and we'll tell you when your next cervical screening is due.
Your sample journey is extended
When HPV is found in your sample, staff at the lab will make a glass slide using some of the cells from your original sample pot. This is called a cytology slide. At least two medical scientists will examine the cells on the slide using a microscope. These scientists are specially skilled and trained to look for particular features that might not look normal – abnormal cells.
- If the scientists do not find abnormal cells on the cytology slide, your cytology result is reported as normal, or negative. When HPV is found, but no abnormal cells are found, you will need to come back for another cervical screening test in one year. The lab will send your result to your sample taker and to our team at CervicalCheck. We’ll send you a letter about your result and we’ll tell you when your next cervical screening is due. If this is the second time that HPV is found we’ll send you your results and we’ll refer you for a further diagnostic examination called colposcopy.
- If the scientists find abnormal cells on the cytology slide, they will send your slide to a cytopathologist - a medical consultant who works in the lab and whose speciality includes the reporting of cervical screening samples. The consultant will examine your cells under the microscope and will make the final decision on your result. The consultant will sign off on your result which will be sent out as above.
- When HPV is found and abnormal cells are seen, we’ll send you your results and we’ll refer you for a further diagnostic examination called colposcopy. This takes place at an outpatient clinic and we’ll give you all the details you need.
Your cervical screening journey
We’re with you every step of your HPV cervical screening journey from the age of 25. CervicalCheck is for women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 65. You can check the register online to find out when your next cervical screening is due. You can also update your contact details to make sure you receive your screening invitation and results letters to the right place.
Your sample is tested for HPV first. HPV causes most cervical cancers. Some cervical cancers are not caused by HPV and there is no screening test for these. Cervical cancer can develop between screening tests so you should find out about the symptoms of cervical cancer and go to your GP if you have any concerns. When cervical cancer is found at an early stage, it can be easier to treat and there is a better chance of recovery.
Going for cervical screening every time you’re invited is one of the best ways to prevent and reduce the risk of cervical cancer developing. When are you due?