HPV testing in England?

[MummyLovesVS]

Hi all,

I recently had my cervical screening (Oct 2024), and only realised that they now test for HPV first, and if positive, they check for abnormal cells.

My last screening before that was in April 2021 (normal), I chucked my results letter out, so don't know if I was tested for HPV or that was the old screening method of only checking for abnormal cells! Does anyone know if the new screening for HPV was introduced then in England or my area? I'm in London.

Thanks!

This is the process in Wales now as well, I think Eng and Wales usually have very similar policies with screening programs and it’s less of a postcode lottery like with some other services.

I had a smear a number of years ago (maybe 2019.. because my follow up was definitely during Covid restrictions) that was HPV pos so they tested cells then invited me back the following year for another smear which was HPV neg so no cells looked at and most recent smear was HPV neg so no smear for 5 years which was a bit shocking to me..

Thanks. Are you based in Wales? In England they still call you back after 3 years if under 50

Yes I’m in Wales. Maybe it is more dependant on area than I thought then as I’m sure my most recent letter had given a longer time before recall than normal

HPV-first testing was rolled out across England Dec '19