When your cervical screening results should arrive
The nurse or doctor will tell you when you can expect your results.
If you've waited longer than you expected, call your GP surgery to see if they have any updates.
Try not to worry if it's taking longer than expected to get your results.
It does not mean anything is wrong, and most people will have a normal result.
What your cervical screening results mean
Your cervical screening results will explain if human papillomavirus (HPV) was found in your sample, what your result means, and what happens next.
HPV is not found in your sample
Most people will not have HPV (an HPV negative result).
This means your risk of getting cervical cancer is very low. You do not need any further tests to check for abnormal cell changes in your cervix, even if you've had these in the past.
You'll be invited for screening again in 5 years.
An unclear result
Sometimes you'll be asked to come back in 3 months to have the test again. This does not mean there's anything wrong, it's because the results were unclear. This is sometimes called an inadequate result.
HPV is found in your sample
Your results will explain what will happen next if HPV is found in your sample (an HPV positive result).
There are 2 different kinds of HPV positive result.
| Result | What it means |
|---|---|
|
HPV found (HPV positive), but no abnormal cell changes |
You'll be invited for screening in 1 year and again 1 year later if you still have HPV. If you still have HPV after 2 years, you'll be asked to have a colposcopy. |
|
HPV found (HPV positive) and abnormal cell changes |
You'll be asked to have a different test, called a colposcopy, to look at your cervix. |
Important
Having a positive HPV result does not mean your partner has had sex with someone else while you have been together.
You might have HPV even if you have not been sexually active or not had a new partner for many years.
If you need a colposcopy
A colposcopy is a simple procedure to look at your cervix.
It's similar to having cervical screening, but it's done in hospital.
You might need a colposcopy if your cervical screening results show you have HPV and abnormal changes to the cells of your cervix.
Find out more about having a colposcopy
Try not to worry if you've been referred for a colposcopy.
Any changes to your cells will not get worse while you're waiting for your appointment.