CervicalCheck & Smear Tests

The CervicalCheck screening programme will recommence on 6th July 2020. As the programme restarts, the HSE National Screening Service has a programme of prioritised testing to begin with which is broken into two phases:

Phase 1 (6th – 31st July) priority groups:
• People who are due an early repeat screening test (a one-year recall)
• People who need a repeat test because their last sample could not be tested (three-month recall)
• People who have become eligible for their first cervical screening test because they have turned 25.

Phase 2 (1st August – 31st October) standard recall:
• People on 3 and 5 year recall whose invites were delayed by the COVID-19 crisis, starting with women who have been waiting the longest.

Women who have been prioritised by the HSE National Screening Service will receive a letter of invitation to book for a sample taking smear. The practice has no control over the priority list, and you must have a current letter from CervicalCheck to be screened at this time. There is more information about the restart of the CervicalCheck programme available https://www.cervicalcheck.ie/

If you do not have a letter of invitation from CervicalCheck but believe you are in one of the categories for prioritisation, please contact CervicalCheck on 1800 45 45 55.

When screening returns it will be with the new HPV cervical screening test. This means that every sample taken will be tested for HPV first, with follow up cytology if required. You can read more about HPV cervical screening here https://www.cervicalcheck.ie/

When booking a Cervical screening test appointment at Sirona Medical, we will:
• Confirm that you have received a letter for testing and the date of the letter. You will need to bring this letter to your appointment. We will ask if you have received an information leaflet about the new programme and HPV screening.
• It is very important that you please read the screening form and consent before you attend for your appointment. This is because we must reduce face-to-face consult time. The form can be seen https://www.cervicalcheck.ie/ or you can collect a copy of the form at the practice (telephone to arrange collection).
• When you attend for your booked appointment, you will be asked if you have read and understood the HPV screening and sample taking. The nurse may be able to answer some questions however please understand that consultation time must be minimised, so it is important that you read the information in advance. You will need to check in for your appointment at the Reception Intercom and you will be asked to bring your mobile phone and to wear a mask throughout your appointment. The nurse will also wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

When your smear is completed, the results are usually available 4-6 weeks. You will receive a letter with your results from CervicalCheck and you can contact the practice if you have any queries relating to the results. Some women may choose to have a smear outside of the CervicalCheck scheme. You may have a smear done privately and there is a fee payable.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as irregular bleeding or pain, it is recommended that you book an appointment to discuss your symptoms with a doctor as a cervical smear is a screening, as opposed to a diagnostic test.