Cervical screening will pick up most changes to your cervix but can’t find them all. Changes can also happen between tests so it is important to go for a screening test every time you’re invited. If you have any unusual symptoms like discharge or irregular bleeding, don’t wait for your next test, but consult your GP. If you have consented, you will receive your results via sms when available. You can always ring and speak to our Practice Nurse if you have any questions or concerns.
What your results mean?
These are some of the common results received from smear tests and what they mean.
These are some of the common results received from smear tests and what they mean.
Normal
If your result was normal, it means that there were no changes to the cells in your cervix at the time it was carried out. You will be advised with your result when your next screening test is due and will receive a reminder nearer the time.
You will normally be recalled every three years unless you are over 50, when you will be recalled every five years.
If you have any questions about your test result or would like more information about cervical screening you can call and arrange to speak to our Practice Nurse. You can also access further information about the Cervical Screening Programme at www.cancerscreening.hscni.net
Inadequate
An inadequate result does not mean your smear was abnormal but that it was unreadable. This means that there were not enough cells in the sample and happens in about 3 out of every 100 tests taken. You will be asked to go back for a repeat test in about three months’ time.
If you have any questions about your test result or would like more information about cervical screening you can call and arrange to speak to our Practice Nurse. You can also access further information about the Cervical Screening Programme at www.cancerscreening.hscni.net
Normal with evidence of HPV infection
Your recent cervical screening result showed evidence of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, but no changes to the cells in your cervix.
HPV is a common virus and most people will have it at some point in their life without knowing. Certain types of HPV are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. In most cases, your immune system will clear up HPV infection without it causing any problems. However, occasionally HPV can cause changes to the cells of your cervix that, over time, can turn into cancer if left untreated.
The results of your screen have shown no changes to the cells in your cervix. However, we would like to invite you to come back for another screen in 12 months’ time to check if the HPV infection is gone. We will send you a reminder letter nearer the time.
Cervical screening will pick up most changes to your cervix but can’t find them all. Changes can also happen between tests so it is important to go for a screening test every time you’re invited. If you have any unusual symptoms like discharge or irregular bleeding, don’t wait for your next test, but consult your GP.
Low grade (borderline or mild) changes and HPV negative
This is not cancer, and in most cases does not lead to cancer. As high risk HPV is not present, the risk of cancer is extremely low and no further follow up is needed at this time. You will be invited for screening again in three or five years’, dependent on your age.
If you have any questions about your test result or would like more information about cervical screening you can call and arrange to speak to our Practice Nurse. You can also access further information about the Cervical Screening Programme at www.cancerscreening.hscni.net
Low grade (borderline or mild) changes and HPV positive
This is not cancer, and in most cases does not lead to cancer. However, as high risk HPV is present you will be referred for a more detailed examination of the cervix, called a colposcopy. You will receive a letter from the hospital with details of your appointment.
If you have any questions about your test result or would like more information about cervical screening you can call and arrange to speak to our Practice Nurse. You can also access further information about the Cervical Screening Programme at www.cancerscreening.hscni.net
High grade (moderate or severe) changes
This is still unlikely to be cancer. To decide whether or not you need treatment you will be referred for a colposcopy examination. You will receive a letter from the hospital with details of your appointment. Further information on the Colposcopy examination is available here.
If you have any questions about your test result or would like more information about cervical screening you can call and arrange to speak to our Practice Nurse. You can also access further information about the Cervical Screening Programme at www.cancerscreening.hscni.net