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Cervical Screening
About My Test
What will happen during your appointment and what to do if you need to change your appointment.
How Will I Know about My Appointment?
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Your Appointment Letter
You will receive a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment at your GP practice. Read the information carefully and decide whether you want to take the test.
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Any Questions?
If you have any questions or worries about the test, contact your GP or practice nurse.
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Contact Your GP
If you decide to accept the invitation, contact your GP surgery to make an appointment.
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How Long does a Screening Appointment Last?
A screening appointment test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes.
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Extra Support
You can ask for extra support for your appointment. For example, a translator or a longer appointment so you have more time to talk things through.
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Who Does The Test?
It can be a male or female health professional carrying out the test, but you can ask for a female health professional when you phone to make an appointment.
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Try to Avoid Your Period
Try to make an appointment for a day when you won’t have your period.
About My Test
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Where Will the Test be Taken?
Your test will be at your GP surgery.
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Any Questions?
At your GP surgery, a health professional will check your details and explain the test to you. You will be able to ask questions and share any worries you may have.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/cs5mins.jpg)
How Long Will the Test Take?
The test itself usually takes no more than 5 minutes.
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Preparing for the Test
Before starting the test, you will be asked to undress from the waist down. You will be given a sheet to cover yourself. You will be asked to lie on an examination bed.
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Performing the Test
Your nurse will gently insert a speculum (medical instrument) into your vagina to hold it open so they can see your cervix. They will then gently brush cells from your cervix using a soft brush.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/csstop.jpg)
Stopping the Test
You can ask for the test to stop at any time.
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Discomfort
If you feel uncomfortable or if it hurts, tell your doctor or nurse. You can ask for a smaller speculum (medical device) to be used if you feel any discomfort.
Making Changes to Your Appointment
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How to Change Your Appointment
You can make changes to your appointment by phoning your GP surgery.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/csphone.jpg)
When to Change Your Appointment
You should phone your GP surgery if:
- You want to take along someone you trust to your appointment.
- You want a longer appointment if you have any worries or want to discuss anything about your appointment.
- You want to ask for an interpreter to be at your appointment.
- You have a learning disability, don’t have support and you want to ask for support from the Learning Disability Liaison nurses.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/csphone.jpg)
If You have Missed Your Appointment
If you miss an appointment, phone your GP surgery as soon as you can to arrange a new appointment.