As you prepare for your Cervical Screening Test, it’s helpful to understand what to expect. Explore your two options for cervical screening and learn what your results might indicate. Being informed will help you feel more confident and prepared for your appointment.
There are two options for cervical screening in Australia:
Option 1. You can do a self-collected Cervical Screening Test by collecting a sample of cells from your vagina using a soft swab.
Option 2. Your doctor or nurse can do a Cervical Screening Test using a speculum and a small brush to take a sample of cells from your cervix.
Both options are safe and effective ways of detecting HPV and preventing cervical cancer from developing. Anyone with symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge or pain should seek the advice of their healthcare provider, regardless of when they were last screened.
HPV not detected
If HPV is not found on your test, you can safely return in 5 years for your next screening test. This will be the case for over 90% of people. You will receive a reminder letter before your next test is due. Be sure to keep your address up to date with Medicare and you can also update your address directly with the National Cancer Screening Register.
HPV detected
If you have HPV found on your test, your doctor or nurse will recommend further testing. This will be the case for less than 10% of people. Depending on the type of HPV found and any changes to cervical cells, further testing may involve:
Unsatisfactory
If your result is ‘unsatisfactory’, this means that the laboratory has been unable to process the test for technical reasons and you will need to repeat the test.
You can find more information here about what your results mean:
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