Private Smear Test (Cervical Screening):
What to Expect
Cervical screening saves thousands of lives every year. A private smear test at Victoria Medical means same-day access, faster results, and a consultation to discuss what your results mean.
In brief: A cervical smear test (cervical screening) collects a small sample of cells from the cervix to test for high-risk HPV and abnormal cell changes. HPV primary testing, introduced in England in 2019, detects the virus responsible for 99.7% of cervical cancers — significantly improving the sensitivity of the screening programme.[1] At Victoria Medical, private smear tests are available the same day with results within 5–7 working days.
Why Cervical Screening Matters
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with approximately 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths in 2022.[2] In England, cervical screening prevents an estimated 70% of cervical cancers — and modelling studies suggest that HPV primary testing could reduce cervical cancer incidence by a further 30–40% compared with cytology-based screening.[3]
Despite this, cervical screening uptake in England has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years — with approximately 1 in 4 eligible women not attending their NHS screening appointment. Private screening offers an accessible alternative for women who have missed their NHS invitation, are not yet eligible for NHS screening, or prefer a more personalised experience.
NHS vs Private Cervical Screening
| Feature | NHS | Private (Victoria Medical) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Women aged 25–64 registered with a GP | Any woman, any age, any time |
| Frequency | Every 3 years (25–49), every 5 years (50–64) | At your request — annual screening available |
| Wait for appointment | Typically 2–6 weeks | Same-day or next-day available |
| Results | 2–4 weeks by post | Typically within 5–7 working days |
| Consultation included | No — nurse-only appointment | Yes — GP or gynaecologist consultation available |
| HPV vaccination history review | Not routinely | Yes — reviewed at consultation |
What to Expect During Your Appointment
The procedure itself takes approximately 2–3 minutes. You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on an examination couch. A speculum is gently inserted to open the vaginal walls, and a small brush is used to collect a sample of cells from the cervix. The sample is sent to an accredited laboratory for HPV testing and, if HPV is detected, cytology assessment. Most women experience mild discomfort rather than pain.
Book your appointment online or by phone
No preparation needed — avoid menstruation if possible
The procedure takes 2–3 minutes
Results available within 5–7 working days
A consultation to discuss results is included
Urgent referral arranged same-day if needed
From Our Practice — Dr George Xynopoulos
"Cervical screening is one of the most effective cancer prevention tools we have. The transition to HPV primary testing has been a significant advance — it detects the viral cause of cervical cancer directly, rather than relying solely on cytological changes that may not yet be visible. I would encourage any woman who is overdue for screening, or who has concerns about a previous result, to book a private appointment rather than wait. Early detection genuinely saves lives."
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a private smear test different from an NHS smear test?
The laboratory technique is identical — both use liquid-based cytology (LBC) with HPV primary testing. The difference is access: private screening is available at any age, at any time, without waiting for an NHS recall letter. You can also have a consultation with a GP or gynaecologist at the same appointment to discuss your results and any concerns.
Does a private smear test replace my NHS screening?
A private smear test does not automatically update your NHS records. However, you can share your private results with your GP, who can update your screening record. We recommend continuing to attend NHS screening when invited, as it provides an important population-level safety net.
What happens if my smear test is abnormal?
If your HPV test is positive, a cytology assessment is performed on the same sample. Depending on the result, you may be referred for colposcopy — a more detailed examination of the cervix. At Victoria Medical, we can arrange urgent specialist referral on the same day if needed.
I am overdue for my NHS smear. Can I have a private one?
Yes. If you have missed your NHS screening invitation or are concerned about a delay, a private smear test at Victoria Medical can be arranged the same day. Results are available within 5–7 working days.
Is a smear test painful?
Most women experience mild discomfort rather than pain. The procedure takes approximately 2–3 minutes. If you have previously found smear tests uncomfortable, please let our clinician know — we can take additional time and use a smaller speculum if needed.
References
- [1]Rebolj M, Rimmer J, Denton K, et al. Primary cervical screening with high risk human papillomavirus testing: observational study. BMJ. 2019;364:l240. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l240
- [2]Bray F, Laversanne M, Sung H, et al. Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024;74(3):229–263. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21834
- [3]Castanon A, Landy R, Pesola F, Windridge P, Sasieni P. Prediction of cervical cancer incidence in England, 2014–40: effect of primary human papillomavirus testing on cancer rates. Lancet Public Health. 2017;2(1):e16–e23. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(16)30031-X
- [4]NICE. Cervical cancer: NICE pathway. 2023. https://pathways.nice.org.uk/pathways/cervical-cancer
- [5]NHS. Cervical screening: overview. NHS UK. 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/
- [6]Sasieni P, Castanon A, Cuzick J. Effectiveness of cervical screening with age: population based case-control study of prospectively recorded data. BMJ. 2009;339:b2968. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.b2968
Dr George Xynopoulos
Consultant Physician & Cardiologist | GMC Registered | MRCP (UK)
Dr Xynopoulos is a Consultant Physician and Cardiologist at Victoria Medical, 170 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London.
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Same-day private cervical screening at Victoria Medical. Results within 5–7 working days.
020 3146 9508