January 2024 — Please be aware that as of December 2023, the screening programme in Northern Ireland has switched to using HPV primary screening. This page is currently undergoing review, but the information below regarding England, Scotland and Wales remains valid.
You should get your cervical screening (smear test) results by post within 4 weeks after your test. Most results will be clear.
We also have information on:
Waiting for your cervical screening results may make you feel anxious. We are here if you need some support while waiting for your results or when you get them.
What do my cervical screening results mean?
England, Scotland and Wales use a test called HPV primary screening during cervical screening. Northern Ireland currently uses a test called cytology, but will use HPV primary screening in future.
The results you get will depend on how your sample is tested.
Read about HPV primary screening and cytology >
Depending on your result and where you live, you may be asked to:
- come back for cervical screening in 1 year
- come back for cervical screening in 3 years
- come back for cervical screening in 5 years
- have some more tests at colposcopy.
No HPV found
What it means
You don’t have high-risk HPV.
Next steps
If you live in England, you will be invited for cervical screening in:
- 3 years if you are age 25 to 49
- 5 years if you are age 50 to 64.
If you live in Scotland or Wales, you will be invited for cervical screening in 5 years, whatever your age. Find out more about cervical screening policy across the UK >
HPV found – no cell changes found
What it means
You have high-risk HPV, but you do not have changes to your cervical cells.
Next steps
You will be invited for cervical screening in 1 year, to check the HPV is gone. If you get this result 3 times in a row, you will be invited to colposcopy for more tests
HPV found – cell changes found
What it means
You have high-risk HPV and cervical cell changes.
Next steps
You will be invited to colposcopy for further tests.
Inadequate
What it means
You sometimes get this result if the sample could not be tested properly, does not have enough cells or if the cells cannot be seen properly under a microscope.
Next steps
Repeat cervical screening after 3 months.
Cytology results (if you live in Northern Ireland)
Cytology is currently used in Northern Ireland.
Normal
What it means
You do not have cervical cell changes.
Next steps
You will be invited for cervical screening in 3 or 5 years.
Abnormal
What it means
You have cervical cell changes. Your results letter will tell you if the changes are borderline, low grade or high grade.
Next steps
You will only be invited for colposcopy if you have high grade cell changes or low grade cell changes and HPV.
Inadequate
What it means
The sample of cells could not be looked at for changes. This sometimes happens if the sample does not have enough cells or if the cells cannot be seen properly.
Next steps
Repeat cervical screening after 3 months.
When will I get my cervical screening results?
You should get your cervical screening results within 4 weeks after your test, but your results may be delayed – this may be because your lab is processing a lot of cervical screening tests. At your appointment, you can ask your nurse how long it will take to get your results and how you will get them.
Getting your results early or later than expected does not affect what the result is, but we know it can be worrying. If you are concerned, speak with your GP or call our Helpline on 0808 802 8000
Check our Helpline opening hours >
How will I get my cervical screening results?
You should always get your cervical screening results letter in the post. If you don’t get a letter within the timeframe your GP surgery gave you, you may want to ring them.
If your sample needed further investigation or you need more tests, the hospital may contact you with your results.
