Cervical screening · patient guide
Pap smear, cervical cytology + HPV screening for cervical cancer prevention.
The Pap smear (US) — cervical smear (UK) — samples cervical cells to detect precancerous changes and HPV. In the UK the NHS uses HPV-primary screening with reflex cytology; combined pap + HPV co-testing is common in the US.
Key facts
- 01
Definition
A Pap smear is cervical cytology plus HPV screening — the primary test for cervical cancer prevention.
- 02
Same test as UK cervical smear
Pap smear (US) and cervical smear (UK) are the same test with different names.
- 03
US uses primary HPV co-testing
In the US, Pap and HPV are commonly performed together every 5 years from age 30.
- 04
NHS uses HPV-primary with reflex cytology
The NHS tests high-risk HPV first, and only examines cells if HPV is positive.
- 05
Interval 3 years (25-49) or 5 years (50-64)
Standard NHS screening intervals for average-risk women.
- 06
Very high sensitivity for HPV-driven disease
HPV-primary testing detects nearly all clinically significant precancer.
Indicative pricing
What a private Pap smear costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A standard private Pap smear in our network: £150–£300, with results in 2-4 weeks.
| Test type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Pap smear (HPV + cytology) | £150–£300 | 10 min | 2-4 weeks |
| Well-woman check + Pap smear | £350–£600 | 45 min | 2-4 weeks |
| Pap smear + gynaecology consultation | £400–£750 | 45 min | 2-4 weeks |
| Colposcopy (if referred from abnormal Pap) | £450–£900 | 30 min | Same visit |
| HPV vaccination (single dose) | £150–£220 | 15 min | N/A |
| Urgent same-week appointment | £250–£450 | 10 min | 2 weeks |
Prices vary by clinic, whether a full well-woman check or gynaecology consultation is included, and whether HPV genotyping is requested. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
Why patients choose us
A Pap smear is only as good as who takes the sample and who reads it.
Sample quality and lab reporting drive the answer — we route you to accredited sample takers and UKAS-accredited cytology labs, with a plain-English translation of the result.
- 01
The right hands
We route you to an accredited cervical screening clinician — the person who takes the sample and the lab that reads it decide the answer.
- 02
A clear, actionable result
Written HPV and cytology result within 2-4 weeks, with a plain-English translation and next-step plan.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
The journey
From enquiry to report — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to result — with structured follow-up per BSCCP.
Phase 1 · Before your appointment
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~10 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what’s going on
A short, confidential form. Age, screening history, any symptoms, previous abnormal results.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: whether a Pap smear is the right test, which clinic, indicative price. If a colposcopy is a better step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Often within a week, ideally day 10-14 of your cycle. Insurer pre-authorisation handled.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and preparation
No fasting. Avoid intercourse, tampons or vaginal creams for 24 hours before the sample.
- 05
On the day
The sample itself
5-10 minutes. Speculum examination, cervical brush sample placed in liquid medium — brief and usually well tolerated.
- 06
On the day
Straight home
No recovery time. Drive, eat and work as normal.
- 07
After
Report and next steps
A written HPV and cytology result in 2-4 weeks, with a structured follow-up per BSCCP guidance.
Typical end-to-end: 2-4 weeks. Urgent cases: same week.
What it shows
The results your Pap smear can return.
A Pap smear answers two specific questions — is high-risk HPV present, and are the cervical cells normal. These are the results you may see on your report.
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HPV-negative
The reassuring result — no high-risk HPV detected, back to routine interval screening.
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High-risk HPV positive (16, 18, other)
Reflex cytology triages next step — repeat, colposcopy or treatment depending on grade.
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Normal cytology
No abnormal cells on the slide, even if HPV is positive.
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ASCUS
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance — usually followed with repeat testing.
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LSIL
Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion — often HPV-driven, referred to colposcopy.
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HSIL
High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion — urgent colposcopy and likely LLETZ treatment.
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Glandular abnormality (AGC / AIS)
Atypical glandular cells or adenocarcinoma in situ — urgent colposcopy pathway.
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Red flag: HSIL or invasive cancer — urgent colposcopy pathway
A high-grade or malignant result triggers a fast-track colposcopy and multidisciplinary review.
Diagnosis steps
How a Pap smear is done, step by step.
From booking through to a structured follow-up per BSCCP guidance.
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Book with GP or private clinic
Self-refer to a private well-woman clinic, or ask your GP for the NHS cervical screening programme.
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Attend day 10-14 of cycle if possible
Mid-cycle sampling gives the cleanest smear — avoid menstruation where you can.
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Speculum + brush sample
A small plastic brush rotates gently across the cervix to collect cells — brief and well tolerated.
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Sample placed in liquid medium
Liquid-based cytology preserves the cells and allows both HPV and cytology on one specimen.
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HPV + reflex cytology
The lab tests high-risk HPV first; if positive, the same sample is examined under the microscope.
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Written result in 2-4 weeks
A clear written report is sent to you and, with consent, to your GP.
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Structured follow-up per BSCCP
Whatever the result, the next step follows national colposcopy society guidance.
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Urgent same-week appointment
Expedited slot when symptoms or a previous abnormal result demand a rapid answer.
Treatment options
What happens after the result.
The Pap smear is a screen — what follows depends on HPV status, cytology grade and your history. Every path is structured per BSCCP.
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Reassurance if all negative
HPV-negative and normal cytology — return to routine interval screening.
-
Repeat in 12 months if HPV+ / cytology normal
A single positive HPV with normal cells is watched with a 12-month retest.
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Colposcopy for abnormal cytology
A magnified view of the cervix, with biopsy of any visible abnormality.
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LLETZ for confirmed high-grade CIN
A short outpatient procedure that removes the abnormal transformation zone.
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Trachelectomy / hysterectomy for cancer
Fertility-sparing or definitive surgery for invasive disease, under gynae-oncology.
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HPV vaccination if unvaccinated
Reduces the risk of new high-risk-type infection even if you have been exposed.
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Cascade family screening
Where a hereditary risk is identified, first-degree relatives are offered assessment.
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Structured follow-up per BSCCP
Every result — normal or abnormal — comes with a defined next-step timeline.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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Accredited cervical sample takers and consultant gynaecologists
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UKAS-accredited cytology and HPV laboratories
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Written result within 2-4 weeks, with plain-English translation
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Direct onward colposcopy pathway per BSCCP if abnormal
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest and most effective screening tests in medicine.
Pap smears are exceptionally safe — the practical points are timing, screening interval, and knowing when symptoms need a separate urgent gynaecology assessment.
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Painless for most, brief for all
A speculum and soft brush — no needles, no radiation, and typically over in a few minutes.
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Same test as UK cervical smear
Pap smear (US) and cervical smear (UK) are the same test — different names, identical technique.
-
Screening interval
Every 3 years age 25-49, every 5 years age 50-64 — earlier or more often if previously abnormal or immunocompromised.
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Timing in your cycle
Day 10-14 gives the cleanest sample. Avoid the days around your period if you can.
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Pregnancy
Routine screening is usually deferred until 12 weeks postnatal, unless there is a specific clinical concern.
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Post-menopausal bleeding is a red flag
Bleeding after menopause needs a two-week-wait gynaecology assessment — not just a smear.
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A negative result is not a full clear
HPV-negative is very reassuring, but new symptoms between screens still need to be reviewed.
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Bring your screening history
Previous smear dates, HPV status, colposcopy and LLETZ history materially sharpen the plan.
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HPV vaccination still helps
Even if you have had HPV, vaccination reduces the risk of new high-risk-type infection.
Red flags
When to escalate beyond a routine smear.
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HSIL cytology
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Invasive cervical cancer
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Glandular abnormality
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Persistent HPV 16/18
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Post-menopausal bleeding
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Post-coital bleeding
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HIV + high-grade CIN
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Post-transplant patient
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Recurrent HPV in immunocompromised
Reading your report
A Pap smear report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever the finding, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, not for you — and that’s normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and screening history
Your details, the reason for the test, and the previous smear and colposcopy history that shape interpretation.
- 02 Technique
Sample quality and lab methodology
Liquid-based cytology, HPV assay used, and confirmation the sample is adequate for reporting.
- 03 Findings
HPV status and cytology
High-risk HPV negative or positive (with genotype if reported), and cytology grade — normal, ASCUS, LSIL, HSIL or glandular.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The plain-English next step — routine recall, 12-month repeat, or colposcopy referral per BSCCP.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about the Pap smear.
Quick answers on cost, US vs UK terminology, screening intervals, HPV-positive results, and when to escalate.
-
What does a Pap smear show?
A Pap smear samples cells from the cervix to detect high-risk HPV infection and precancerous changes in the cervical cells. In the UK the NHS uses HPV-primary screening with reflex cytology; in the US, combined Pap and HPV co-testing is common.
-
Is a Pap smear the same as a cervical smear?
Yes. Pap smear (US) and cervical smear (UK) are two names for the same test — a cervical cytology and HPV screen that looks for precancerous changes and high-risk HPV.
-
How much does a private Pap smear cost in London?
A standard private Pap smear with HPV testing is typically £150–£300 in our network; adding a well-woman check or a gynaecology consultation raises the price. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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How often should I have a Pap smear?
The NHS recommends every 3 years for women aged 25-49 and every 5 years for 50-64. In the US, guidelines commonly suggest Pap + HPV co-testing every 5 years from age 30. Follow-up is more frequent if you have had an abnormal result.
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What happens if my result is HPV-positive?
If HPV is positive but cytology is normal, the usual next step is a repeat test in 12 months. If cytology is abnormal, you will be referred for colposcopy — a closer look at the cervix with a magnifying scope.
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When should I see a GP urgently instead?
Post-menopausal bleeding, persistent post-coital bleeding, unexplained pelvic pain, or any symptom raising red-flag concern needs urgent gynaecology assessment — not just a smear.
Sources
Clinical sources referenced in this guide.
- NHS Cervical Screening Programme.
- NICE. Cervical cancer guidance.
- British Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (BSCCP).
- World Health Organization. Cervical cancer elimination strategy.
Last reviewed 2026-07-30. Next review 2027-07-30. Reviewed by Pulse Atlas Editorial Board, .
Related tests
Looking for a different test?
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Cervical smear
The UK name for the same test — cytology and HPV screening.
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HPV screening
Primary high-risk HPV testing for cervical cancer prevention.
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Colposcopy
The magnified cervical examination after an abnormal smear.
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Colposcopy With Lletz
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In practice, in London
Where pap smear sits in a private London pathway
With pap smear, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. Waiting lists on the NHS for pap smear vary widely by borough and by how the GP letter reads. Privately in London, we can normally offer a slot inside the same week, sometimes within 48 hours if there’s a cancellation. The difference isn’t clinical quality — the consultants are frequently the same faces you’d see on the NHS — it’s the calendar.
A private pap smear pathway in London usually looks like this: an initial consultation, any diagnostics booked at a nearby facility (most within Zone 1 or 2), and a written report sent to you and your GP within a few days. The consultants we work with hold NHS posts alongside their private lists, which keeps the standards consistent across both settings. For pap smear specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
Honesty about expectations is part of the job. A private pap smear appointment in London won’t change the underlying medicine — the guidelines, the consultants, and the equipment are largely the same as on the NHS. What it changes is speed, continuity, and the amount of time you get to actually talk through the findings. Everyone we route to is GMC-registered and works within CQC-regulated facilities.
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