Women and anyone with a cervix between the age of 25 and 65 should go for a cervical screening test when it’s due.
How often we invite you to screening
The number of years between your screening tests changes depending on your age.
Age 25 to 29
You are screened every 3 years. You are screened more often than people over 30 because you are more likely to have HPV.
Age 30 to 65
You are screened every 5 years from age 30 to 65.
You’ll usually have your final cervical screening test between age 60 and 65. If you have not had a free cervical screening test before age 65, you may be invited back to book it.
If you have never had a cervical screening test, you can ask any registered GP or clinic for a free cervical screening test up to age 65.
If you had a recent test
If you had a recent test and your smear or cervical screening test results were normal, you will be invited for HPV cervical screening 3 or 5 years after your last test. This will depend on your age.
But if you are HPV positive you may need screening more often.
If your results found low-grade abnormal cells, follow the advice you were given in your result letter.
If you have had a colposcopy or treatment for abnormal cells, your colposcopist will tell you when to have a cervical screening test.
If you missed your last test
You do not need to wait for a letter to book an appointment if you missed your last cervical screening test. You need to book your screening test yourself.
If you are not due a test but want to have one
If your test is not due, but you still want to have one, you can pay for a private screening test. This test will not be free as it is not part of the national screening programme.
If you are breastfeeding
You can still have a screening test if you are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding does not affect your test.
You may find having the test is a little uncomfortable. This is because breastfeeding can affect your hormone levels.
You can discuss ways of making it more comfortable for you with the doctor or nurse taking the test.
Wait for at least 3 months after you’ve given birth to have a test.
Appointments:
Existing patients registered to book online can do so by visiting https://app.pippo.ie/login or you can phone reception on 021-4877817.