Cervical screening (a smear test) is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. It's offered to women and people with a cervix When you'll be invitedHow to bookYour resultsCookies on the NHS website
Cytopathology is a branch of pathology involving the study and diagnosis of diseases at the cellular level using a light microscope. Traditionally the
To become a competent cytology screener you'll follow an intensive period of training and after two years you'll be assessed with an external screening exam (
Commissioning
All cervical screening commissioners must follow the relevant service specification(specification number 25).
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Condition Screened For
Cervical screening looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause abnormal cells on the cervix.
If HPV is found a cytology test is used as a triage, to check for any abnormal cells.
If no abnormal cells are found, a follow up screen is arranged for 12 months’ time.
This will check to see if the immune system has cleared the virus.
Most HP.
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Data and Intelligence
Key performance indicator (KPI) data reports are available for all 11 national screening programmes.PHE collects routine datato monitor the coverage of cervical screening.
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Evidence Base
Cervical screening is one of 11 NHS population screening programmesavailable in England.
The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) makes recommendations to ministers in the 4 UK countries on all aspects of population screening.
It ensures that screening provides more benefit than harm, at a reasonable cost to the NHS.
Recommendations are based o.
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Quality Assurance
Guidance is available on the programme’s processes for ensuring a safe screening pathway.
The programme specific operating model for quality assurance of the cervical screening programme should be read in conjunction with the operating model for PHE screening quality assurance service: 2015/16 to 2017/18 and the relevant programme standards.
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Requests For Screening Data and Research
All requests for screening data need to be approved by the NHS Cervical Screening Programme Research Advisory Committee.
PHE also has terms of reference for NHS population screening programme research advisory committees.
All routine data requests (not research) should go via the PHE Screening helpdesk.
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Target Population
Cervical screening is available to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 in England.
All eligible people who are registered with a GP (as female) automatically receive an invitation by mail.
Trans men (assigned female at birth) do not receive invitations if registered as male with their GP, but are still entitled to screening if they have a .
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Workforce: Education and Training
Education and training resourcesare available for healthcare professionals working in cervical screening.
Healthcare professionals must use national guidance for cervical screening professionals.
There are also more general screening resources to support screening professionals in their initial training and continuing professional development (CPD).
