The specimen containing cells from the cervix is put into a special liquid preservative.
This cell suspension is processed in the laboratory and the cells are transferred onto a glass slide, stained, and examined under a microscope.
The fluid is also be tested for high risk human papilloma virus (HPV) types..
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 aged 25 to 64..
Cytology is the exam of a single cell type, as often found in fluid specimens.
It's mainly used to diagnose or screen for cancer.
It's also used to screen for fetal abnormalities, for pap smears, to diagnose infectious organisms, and in other screening and diagnostic areas..
New Cross Hospital, Avonley Road, opened in 1877.
It was established by the Metropolitan Asylum Board as a smallpox hospital and developed into a general hospital treating infectious diseases serving the south-east London area.
Its buildings were added to in the early 20th century..
