Cervical screening
Cervical screening tests for the presence of oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV). If HPV is detected on clinician-collected samples, reflex Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) will be performed to determine if any cervical cell abnormalities are present. LBC is not able to be performed on self-collected HPV samples.
Changes to eligibility for self-collected HPV testing, and the incorporation of HPV testing and Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) protocols, occurred from July 2022. These changes were introduced following a review of the National Cervical Screening Program.
This cervical screening approach replaced the pap smear test in December 2017.
Sample collection
You can collect samples as a clinician or offer eligible patients the option to self-collect their sample.
Clinician-collected
We will accept clinician-collected samples to be tested for HPV, LBC and co-testing from any patient. This includes patients exposed to diethyl-stilbestrol (DES) in utero, patients with a history of histologically confirmed AIS, symptomatic patients and patients undergoing test of cure.
Before collecting samples please review all information below including guides and collection devices.
Self-collection
You can offer a patient the option of self-collection if they are 25 to 74 years of age, due or overdue for routine cervical screening, have no signs or symptoms of cervical cancer, and do not need a co-test for any other reason.
Self-collected samples are not able to be used for any additional testing such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea or Trichomonas PCR.
Patients are not eligible for self-collection if they:
- are under 25 years of age
- are over 74 years of age
- were exposed to diethyl-stilbestrol (DES) in utero
- have a history of histologically confirmed AIS
- have signs or symptoms that suggest cervical cancer, including postcoital, intermenstrual or postmenopausal bleeding
- have unexplained persistent unusual vaginal discharge (especially if malodorous and bloodstained).
Clinician and patient guides
Collection swabs
To determine the swab type you have available, refer to the following image. The yellow arrow indicates the location of the swab type and its expiry date codes.
- Ensure swab is the correct type.
- Verify the swab and ThinPrep vial have not expired.
Copan 552C.80
Copan 552C.80 Floqswab has been validated for this test and is our preferred self-collect specimen collection device. We are able to test these in Queensland.
When using the Copan 552C.80:
- rinse the swab into a ThinPrep (PreservCyt) vial after collection.
- label the swab and ThinPrep vial—do not cover the swab type code or expiry date
- send both the swab and ThinPrep vial to the laboratory in the same biohazard specimen bag.
Copan 552C
Copan 552C Floqswab is also accepted and has been validated for cervical screening tests. These swabs are sent interstate for testing which may delay receipt of results.
If Copan 552C must be used:
- do not rinse into ThinPrep vial.
- label the swab—do not cover the swab type code or expiry date
- send the swab to the laboratory in a biohazard specimen bag.
S/4HANA reorder codes
- Copan 552C.80 Floqswab: 10439774
- Copan 552C Floqswab: 10031995
Request form
The request form has been updated to capture specific clinical information which is required for Medicare reimbursement and for results to be accepted when submitted into the National Cancer Screening Register. The back of the request form also provides specimen collection information, labelling advice, information about the use of lubricants and eligibility criteria for self-collect samples.
If a patient would prefer their screening results to not be recorded with the National Cancer Screening Register, you can direct them to the request to opt-out form.
Please include significant screening history on the request form. Detailed history ensures appropriate follow-up is recommended. Patient follow-up recommendations may be impacted if their screening history is incomplete.
Contact your local pathology laboratory for hard copies.
Download the cervical screening request form (PDF, 391.9 KB)
Using ieMR or other forms
Digital hospital sites can order tests via ieMR. Please print and complete the cervical screening test request form from the link in the reference window in ieMR.
If using any other request form, please specify in clinical notes if the sample is self-collect or clinician-collected.