cervical smear (when an unscheduled smear is not indicated)

Last reviewed 11/2020

Additional cervical screening is NOT recommended in women who fall under the age group to be screened and who have had a screening test done within the previous 3-5 years even in any of the following situations:

  • women who are taking or starting to take oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

  • insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD)

  • in women who has
    • genital warts
    • vaginal discharge
    • pelvic infections

  • in women who have risk factors like
    • multiple sexual partners
    • heavy cigarette smokers

  • women who are pregnant - either antenatally, postnatally or after termination unless a previous screening test was abnormal (1)

  • women younger than 25 years of age in England and younger than 20 years of age in Scotland and Wales

  • women older than 65 years of age who have had three negative samples

  • if the woman has symptoms of possible gynaecological cancer. This includes (3):
    • postmenopausal bleeding. If the woman has postmenopausal bleeding and has attended regular screening, do not take a cervical sample. Examine and refer urgently (within 2 weeks) to a gynaecologist

    • suspicious-looking cervix - urgently refer the woman (within 2 weeks) to a gynaecologist. A cervical sample may be taken and suspicious looking cervix recorded on the form. The cervical cytology result may confirm cancer, but a negative result does not exclude cancer

    • abnormal bleeding (post-coital bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding, and blood-stained vaginal discharge) - urgently refer the woman (within 2 weeks) to a gynaecologist

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