Queenstown Road Medical Practice

Cervical Smears

Our aim is to prevent the occurrence of cervical cancer in the female population by ensuring that all female patients between the ages of 20 and 49 years, registered with this practice have had an adequate smear within the last three years and that female patients between the ages of 50 and 64 years have had an adequate smear within the last five years. Female patients that have had a Complete Hysterectomy for Non-Malignant reasons e.g. fibroids, will not be recalled for a smear test.

Smear tests are an examination of the neck of the womb (cervix) to check for changes in cells, which occur before cancer develops. These changes can be easily treated in an outpatients clinic and cancer prevented. The Practice Nurse and local Primary Care Agencies send reminder letters out when smears are due. Smears are very important, so even if you do not wish to have a smear please come and discuss it with the doctor or nurse and don’t just ignore the letter.

Once a smear has been taken it will be sent to a lab and the cells analysed. The result takes approximately 6 weeks and will be sent to you directly. Your result may indicate that you should repeat the test or be referred for a procedure called a colposcopy, which is where a specialist takes a closer look at your cervix with a special microscope.

Smear Tests require a 20-minute appointment, which should be booked when in mid cycle of your menstrual cycle i.e. about 7-10 days after your period ends, with the Practice Nurse. For further information about smears, please click here.