Understanding my results

When will I get my results?

You will get your results by letter within 10 weeks.

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.

If you haven’t got your results in 10 weeks, phone your GP practice.

What will my results show?

There are 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

No HPV found

• Your risk of developing cervical cancer at this time is very low.
• We’ll invite you for another cervical screening test in 5 years.

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

You will be asked to come for further tests at a specialist clinic to take a closer look at your cervix.

Unclear result

• Sometimes for technical reasons the laboratory cannot get a result.
• You will be asked to come back for another cervical screening test.
• This is nothing to worry about.

Further tests

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 next page (Further tests).