Loading...
Health Screening NHS Lothian | Our Services
Abstract orange pattern

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 do Cervical Screening (smear test) results mean?

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.