A cervical smear is a sample of cells taken from the entrance to the cervix (or neck of the womb) that can detect abnormal cells before they can change into cancer. This then allows time to remove these cells before cancer develops.

In extremely rare cases cervical smears may detect an abnormality in the presence of a cancer of the cervix. Treatment can be sought quickly.

Cervical smears are collected in fluid filled bottles. This development is called ‘liquid based cytology’ and aims to reduce the likelihood of any sample being unsatisfactory for examination (see inadequate smears).

To maximise the uptake of abnormal cells we at Marble Arch Health  test the cervical smear in 2 ways

• Presence of abnormal cells: dyskaryosis
• Presence of Human Papilloma Virus

This means that you can have the most accurate test available and be treated as quickly as possible. Turn around time for smear results is 2 to 4 weeks.