Cervical smear at Chichester Hospital

Regular screening monitors changes in the cells. All women between the ages of 24 and 64 are invited for regular screening*.

What happens during a cervical smear?

A cervical smear tests takes about five minutes. A speculum is inserted in your vagina to gently hold it open. A nurse or doctor will use a small brush to take a sample of some cells on your cervix. The sample will be sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. 

At Nuffield Health we use liquid based cytology for cervical smear tests. This has several advantages over the traditional smear test as there is a reduction in inadequate rates (insufficient material to analyse accurately) – a considerable benefit in reducing the need for repeat smears. In addition to this, all smears are double-read in our laboratory.

About 1 out of 20 test show mild changes*. Don’t worry - abnormal results rarely mean cancer has developed. Our expert Consultant Gynaecologists understand your concerns around receiving an abnormal result. They will conduct a thorough examination and advise you if any followup procedures are needed.

*Source NHS Choices