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Understanding Your Cervical Screening Results
Key Information
- The Goal: Waiting for results can feel worrying. This guide explains what your result means and what happens next.
- What We Look For: Your test checks for a virus called high-risk HPV.
- About HPV: HPV is very common and usually clears on its own. In some cases, it can cause cell changes over time, which is why screening is important.
What Your Results Mean
Your result will fall into one of the following categories:
1. HPV Negative (Most Common)
- What it means: No high-risk HPV was found. Over 90% of people receive this result.
- The Action: This is reassuring. Your risk is very low, and you will be invited for your next routine screening in 5 years.
2. HPV Positive: No Cell Changes
- What it means: HPV was found, but no cell changes were seen.
- The Action: You will be invited back in 1 year to check if your body has cleared the virus.
3. HPV Positive: Cell Changes Found
- What it means: HPV was found and may have caused changes to your cells. This is not cancer.
- The Action: You will be referred for a colposcopy at a hospital clinic, where specialists can examine the cells more closely and treat them if needed.
What Happens Next?
If you have any questions about your results or what they mean for your health, please contact us.
Further Information
To learn more about cervical screening, including why it is done and how results are interpreted, please visit the NHS website.
Learn more about cervical screening
Last reviewed: 02 April 2026
Next review due: 02 April 2029
Providing NHS Services
Telephone: 01727 853107