Rochedale Family Practice
Cervical screening and self-collection
What cervical screening checks, the available collection options and how to prepare for your appointment.
Routine cervical screening checks for human papillomavirus (HPV); it is not a diagnostic test for symptoms. Tell the practice when booking if you have unusual bleeding, pain, discharge or another concern so the appropriate assessment can be arranged.
At a glance
- Check when you are due and book an appropriate appointment.
- Mention symptoms or relevant previous results when booking.
- Discuss self-collection and clinician collection before deciding.
- Ask how and when you will receive the result.
Before the appointment
- Bring relevant previous cervical screening or treatment information if the practice may not have it.
- Tell the clinician about pregnancy, a hysterectomy, previous abnormalities or treatment.
- You may bring a support person or request an interpreter.
- You can ask questions, request adjustments and change your mind about the collection option.
Collection options
- For self-collection, you use a swab in a private space after receiving instructions.
- For clinician collection, a speculum is used so a sample can be taken from the cervix.
- Tell the clinician if you are uncomfortable or want to pause or stop.
- The sample is sent to a laboratory and the practice explains follow-up when the result is available.
When to book a GP review
- You have bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause.
- You have unusual vaginal discharge, persistent pelvic pain or another symptom of concern.
- You have a previous abnormal result or treatment and are unsure what follow-up is due.
- You need help deciding which collection option is appropriate.
After the test
- Confirm how the result will be communicated and contact the practice if it does not arrive as expected.
- HPV detected does not mean that you have cervical cancer, but follow-up is important.
- Attend any repeat test, clinician-collected sample or specialist assessment recommended.
Emergency advice
Call 000 for heavy uncontrolled bleeding, collapse, severe pain with marked illness, or another severe or rapidly worsening symptom.
Rochedale Family Practice is not an emergency service.
Cervical screening and self-collection
What cervical screening checks, the available collection options and how to prepare for your appointment.
For people considering routine cervical screening who want to understand self-collection and clinician collection.
Routine cervical screening checks for human papillomavirus (HPV); it is not a diagnostic test for symptoms. Tell the practice when booking if you have unusual bleeding, pain, discharge or another concern so the appropriate assessment can be arranged.
Key Actions
At a glance
- Check when you are due and book an appropriate appointment.
- Mention symptoms or relevant previous results when booking.
- Discuss self-collection and clinician collection before deciding.
- Ask how and when you will receive the result.
Care
Before the appointment
- Bring relevant previous cervical screening or treatment information if the practice may not have it.
- Tell the clinician about pregnancy, a hysterectomy, previous abnormalities or treatment.
- You may bring a support person or request an interpreter.
- You can ask questions, request adjustments and change your mind about the collection option.
Activity
Collection options
- For self-collection, you use a swab in a private space after receiving instructions.
- For clinician collection, a speculum is used so a sample can be taken from the cervix.
- Tell the clinician if you are uncomfortable or want to pause or stop.
- The sample is sent to a laboratory and the practice explains follow-up when the result is available.
You have a choice of collection method
Most eligible people can choose a self-collected vaginal swab or a clinician-collected cervical sample. Both are accurate and safe for HPV screening, but some clinical circumstances require clinician collection or additional testing.
Contact
When to contact the practice
Arrange assessment
- You have bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause.
- You have unusual vaginal discharge, persistent pelvic pain or another symptom of concern.
- You have a previous abnormal result or treatment and are unsure what follow-up is due.
- You need help deciding which collection option is appropriate.
Follow-Up
After the test
- Confirm how the result will be communicated and contact the practice if it does not arrive as expected.
- HPV detected does not mean that you have cervical cancer, but follow-up is important.
- Attend any repeat test, clinician-collected sample or specialist assessment recommended.
Next Actions
Next steps
Related
Related patient information
Care at Rochedale
Related care at Rochedale Family Practice
External Resources
Authoritative links
- How cervical screening works opens in a new tabAustralian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Current collection choices and what happens at an appointment.
- Who should get a Cervical Screening Test opens in a new tabAustralian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Current program eligibility and screening intervals.