Smear Testing
Smear Tests
Regular smear testing is the only way to find abnormalities before they could become more serious. Screening in England in both the NHS and privately is responsible for saving 5000 lives each year.
If you are in the NHS screening programme but wish to have more regular tests, we are here to help. If abnormal cells are detected you will have the option to have them removed before they can become cancerous.
Results are usually back as soon as 4 days after testing.
What are the advantages of coming for a private smear test here at The Dr Jenni Clinic?
- The NHS do not offer cervical cytology as standard (looking at your cells for any changes under the microscope) – we offer both combined HPV testing and cervical cytology testing for your peace of mind.
- You can self-refer without the need for a referral from your NHS GP. Just give the clinic a call to get booked in.
- If you are between the ages of 18-24, you are not eligible for a smear test on the NHS. Only 4 in every 100,000 women under 25 years old are diagnosed with cervical cancer a year. However, if you’re worried or concerned, there is always the option of booking a test with us at The Dr Jenni Clinic. The minimum age for a smear test is 18.
- If you have cervical screening on the NHS, you are eligible for one smear test every three to five years; if you would like more regular screening you can have one here at The Dr Jenni Clinic.
- If there are any reasons why you do not wish to attend an NHS GP surgery, you can attend our luxury, spacious, comfortable, medical clinic.
- If your test has been delayed or cancelled on the NHS due to coronavirus, we can schedule you an appointment very quickly.
Why do we offer testing?
The main goal of smear testing at The Dr Jenni Clinic is to identify pre-cancerous lesions so they can be removed to prevent invasive cancers from developing.
A secondary goal is to find any cervical cancers, if they have already occurred, at a very early stage when they can usually be treated successfully.
Regular cervical testing has been shown to greatly reduce both the number of cervical cancer cases and deaths from the disease.
What is the difference between HPV testing and cytology testing?
For a long time, cytology testing was the only method of screening. However, with the ability to test for HPV (human papillomavirus), this has replaced cytology in the UK. Certain HPV types can cause cervical cancer.
HPV testing: after your smear test, your cells are tested for the presence of high-risk (and the option of low-risk) HPV types.
Cytology testing: after your smear test, your cells are examined directly under the microscope for any changes.
When both tests are done, this is a dual-test.
For women aged 30 or older, both HPV and cytology dual-testing is more sensitive than single testing. Therefore, a woman with a negative HPV test and normal cytology test, has a very low risk of developing cervical cancer over the next few years.
If I have been vaccinated, do I still need regular testing?
Yes, current UK HPV vaccines do not protect against all the HPV types that can cause cervical cancer. It is therefore very important for vaccinated women to keep having regular tests.
What happens if my result is abnormal?
If your result is abnormal, Dr Jenni may need to refer you to a specialist for colposcopy, so an expert can take a closer look at your cervix, and decide whether you require any further close monitoring or treatment.
The advantages of going for a private smear test at The Dr Jenni Clinic
- You can self-refer without the need for a referral from your NHS GP
- If you are between the ages of 18-24 you are not eligible for a smear test on the NHS. You can have one performed at The Dr Jenni Clinic
- If you are between the ages of 25-49 you are eligible for one smear test every three years on the NHS; if you would like more regular screening you can do so at The Dr Jenni Clinic
- If you are between the ages of 50-64 you are eligible for one smear test every five years on the NHS; if you would like more regular screening you can do so at The Dr Jenni Clinic
