Cervical screening

About my test

What will happen during your appointment and what to do if you need to change your appointment.

How Will I Know about My Appointment?

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Your appointment letter

You will receive a letter inviting you to make an appointment.

Read the information carefully and decide whether you want to take the test.

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Any questions?

If you have any questions or worries about the test, contact your GP or practice nurse.

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Contact your GP

If you decide to accept the invitation, contact your GP surgery to make an appointment.

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How long will the test take?

A screening appointment test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

What happens when I go for cervical screening (a smear test)

Watch the video below to find out what happens when you go for cervical screening (a smear test)

What happens when I go for cervical screening (a smear test) – Jo’s Trust

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Extra support

You can ask for extra support for your appointment.

For example, a translator or a longer appointment so you have more time to talk things through.

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Who does the test?

It can be a male or female health professional carrying out the test, but you can ask for a female health professional when you phone to make an appointment.

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Try to avoid when it’s your period

Try to make an appointment for a day when you won’t have your period.

About my test

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Where will the test be taken?

Your test will be at your GP surgery.

Female health professional

Any questions?

At your GP surgery, a health professional will check your details and explain the test to you.

You will be able to ask questions and share any worries you may have.

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How long will the test take?

The test itself usually takes no more than 5 minutes.

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Preparing for the test

Before starting the test, you will be asked to undress from the waist down.

You will be given a sheet to cover yourself.

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You will be asked to lie on an examination bed.

cervical screening equipment

Performing the test

Your nurse will gently insert a speculum (medical instrument) into your vagina to hold it open so they can see your cervix.

They will then gently brush cells from your cervix using a soft brush.

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Stopping the test

You can ask for the test to stop at any time.

If you feel uncomfortable or if it hurts, tell your doctor or nurse.

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Discomfort

You can ask for a smaller speculum (medical device) to be used if you feel any discomfort.

Making changes to your appointment

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How to change your appointment

You can change your appointment by phoning your GP surgery.

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You can take along someone you trust to your appointment.

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You can ask for a longer appointment if you have any worries or want to discuss anything about your appointment.

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You can ask for an interpreter to be at your appointment.

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If you have a learning disability and don’t have support, you can ask for support from the Learning Disability Liaison nurses.

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If you missed your appointment

If you miss an appointment, phone your GP surgery as soon as you can to arrange a new appointment.

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