The NHS now uses HPV primary testing, which identifies high-risk HPV strains that cause 99.7% of cervical cancers.
Effective from 1st July 2025 all female patients are advised to have regular 5 yearly smear tests between the age of 24.5yrs and 64yrs. This is an important procedure undertaken by our specialist nurses (or the female doctor if there are special circumstances).
How will this work?
So anyone who is screened on or after 1st July 2025 and tests negative for HPV, will move to a 5 yearly screening, unless previous screening history suggests they should be screened more regularly. If you are being screened before 1st July 2025 and test negative for HPV, you will stay on the current 3 yearly recall until you’re next due a screen in 3 years time.
Only those who attend cervical screening on or after 1st July 2025 and meet the clinical criteria, will have their next test due date set at 5 years.
When you’ll be invited for cervical screening
- Under 24.5 – Up to 6 months before you turn 25
- 25 to 64 – Every 5 years
- 65 or older – Only if one of your last 3 tests was abnormal
You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment. Please don’t ignore your invite. Cervical screening is not a test for cancer it’s a test to help prevent cancer.
To find out more information about cervical screening click on the link:-