Cervical Screening
Understanding My Results
Understanding your results and what happens next.
Your Results
When Will I Get My Results?
It may take up to 10 weeks for you to get your results by letter. If you want your results to go to a different address, you can tell the person doing your test. The results will also be sent to the person who took your test and your GP.
What Will My Results Show?
Your test results will show 1 of 4 possible results:
- We found no HPV
- We found HPV, but no cell changes were seen
- We found HPV and cell changes were seen
- Unclear result
We Found No HPV
No HPV Found
Your risk of developing cervical cancer at this time is very low. We’ll invite you for another routine screening test in 5 years.
We Found HPV, but No Cell Changes Were Seen
HPV Found but No Cell Changes
You will be asked to come for another cervical screening test earlier than usual. This will be around 12 months after your results to check the HPV has cleared.
We Found HPV and Cell Changes Were Seen
HPV Found and Cell Changes
You will be asked to come for further tests at a specialist clinic to take a closer look at your cervix.
Unclear Result
Unclear Result
Sometimes for technical reasons the lab cannot get a result. You will be asked to come back for another cervical screening test. This is nothing to worry about.
Further Tests
Colposcopy
If your results letter says you will be asked to come for further tests, this means you will be invited for a colposcopy. You can find more information on the Further Tests page.
