Patient Self Collect is now available
From July 2022, all women due their 5-yearly Cervical Screening test are eligible for self collection.
Please ask your doctor about this option.
In 2017, Australian cervical cancer screening changed from 2-yearly PAP to 5-yearly HPV testing.
We now know that 99% of cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with specific types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common infection in females and males.
The body clears most HPV infections naturally. However, some HPV types can lead to the development of cancers. The HPV test can detect these specific types, often before any cancer has developed.
How does the cervical screening test work?
All women 25-74 years of age are eligible for HPV testing as part of the new Cervical Screening Program.
- Sample collection for HPV is the same as having a PAP.
- if HPV is present, a cytology slide will be made, to check for abnormal cells.
- A cytology slide is also made for women who had a previous abnormal PAP test, or have symptoms such as abnormal bleeding.
- Our laboratory sends the result to your doctor with a risk category, that indicates when you should have your next test.