What is the Next Step if My Screening Test is Abnormal?

Sometimes a smear shows inflammatory or borderline changes. If this happens, your specialist may recommend simply repeating the screening test after 6 months.

However if CIN or CGIN is found you will be advised to have a Colposcopy. A Colposcopy is a test that allows examination of the cervix in great detail using a microscope called a colposcope. The cervix is painted with a liquid to make the abnormal areas show up more clearly. A light is shone on to the cervix and the specialist will look through the colposcope to examine the surface of the cervix.

A small sample of the cervix (a biopsy), may be taken, to assess the severity of the abnormality under a microscope in the laboratory. Alternatively your specialist may decide to ‘see and treat’ an abnormal looking area at the same visit.