Cervical Screening

All women and people with a cervix aged 25 – 69 who have ever had intimate skin-to-skin contact or been sexually active should have regular cervical screening. This includes women who have been immunised against HPV. Together, regular screening and HPV immunisation provide the best protection against cervical cancer.

There are now more options for how you have cervical screening done:

• a simple vaginal swab test for HPV, either done yourself or with help from a healthcare professional
• a cervical sample taken by a healthcare professional (used to be known as a smear test).

Talk with your healthcare provider to decide which option is best for you.

If HPV is found, you may need to have a follow-up test or be referred directly for colposcopy.

If you’ve not yet had HPV testing, you should be screened 3 years after your last test (or 1 year if immune deficient). Once you have had an HPV test, and providing HPV is not found, your next screening will be in 5 years (or 3 years if immune deficient).

For more information: Cervical screening | Time to Screen - National Screening Unit

Please  advsise the Receptionist of your  request for this service when booking your appoitment .
Most of our doctors provide this service at all clinics , but please check . A Chaperone service is available to all women.

We also have nurse trained smear takers,  , who you can book in with also.

HPV Swabs , self swabbing is available from 23rd September 2023 .Your doctor or nurse will advise if you can complete this instead of a Cervical swab and the process  is quick and simple  and  may be funded for you with eligibility criteria set by Te Whatu Ora.