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Smear Test & Cervical Cancer Screening

  • No waiting times
  • Fast results
  • Clinics in Manchester, Liverpool and Newton-le-Willows
  • From £195

We offer you a choice of a female Nurse, male or female GP, or a Gynaecologist.

What is a smear test?

Cervical smear tests are an effective way of detecting early abnormalities in the cells in a woman’s cervix. By detecting changes in cells early, a smear test can be the first step in diagnosing and treating cervical cancer.

Cervical screening is no longer available on the NHS for women between the ages of 18 and 25, but if you fall into this age bracket or any age above - it is still important to get tested regularly. Pall Mall Medical can perform smear testing for women from the age of 18 and above. We offer a choice of having a smear test with a female Nurse, male or female GP, or a Consultant Gynaecologist.

We have convenient city centre clinics located in Manchester and Liverpool, and our own private hospital in Newton-le-Willows. We respect your privacy and all appointments are made in strict confidence.

We aim to get results back to you within one week and your results will not be shared with anybody. We have no waiting lists and appointments are normally available the same/next day, with times including early morning and evenings after school or work hours.

Latest guidelines

Our private smear tests include screening for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) using the same sample, minimising any additional discomfort. Detecting high-risk HPV, which is associated with an increased risk of developing cervical cancer, allows us to identify women who may be at risk and provide timely care.

Before booking your appointment, please make sure you:

  • are not menstruating or have any vaginal bleeding

  • have not had a PAP smear in the last 12 weeks

  • have not had an IUD removed/inserted in the last 4 weeks

  • have not had cervical/high vaginal swabs in the last 4 weeks

  • have not had a miscarriage/termination in the last 12 weeks

  • are not pregnant under 14 weeks

  • have not had a transvaginal ultrasound scan within the past 2 weeks

It is also recommended to refrain from sexual intercourse for 3-4 days prior to a smear test.

Appointment Types

Cervical Smear Test
  • With a nurse/GP
*Any clinical services taken during the appointment will incur additional fees including testing, referral letters and prescriptions.

We have experience of delivering 5 star services to over 10,000 patients every year.

This is why our patients rate us Excellent on Trustpilot.

What happens during a smear test?

During a cervical smear test, the nurse or GP carefully inserts a speculum to allow access to the cervix, and then uses a small, soft brush to collect cell samples.

This process takes just a few minutes. It may feel a little uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful. The sample is sent to a lab to be examined for any abnormal cells.

Smear test results

We aim to get your smear test results back to you within one week. The possible results are:

  • HPV negative: This result means that your risk of cervical cancer is very low and no further action is needed at that time

  • HPV positive - no abnormal cell changes: This result means that HPV is present but there have not been any changes to your cervical cells. A colposcopy may not be necessary, but we would advise you to return for another cervical screening within a year

  • HPV positive - abnormal cell changes: This result means that HPV is present and there have been changes to your cervical cells. In this case we would recommend you have a colposcopy to examine your cervix in more detail.

  • Inadequate: This result means that the test has not been able to determine whether HPV is present. In this case we would schedule another test to ensure accurate results.

We understand that a HPV-positive test result can be worrying, but the presence of abnormal cells doesn’t mean that you’re going to develop cervical cancer. Our team is always on hand to help ease any concerns or answer any questions you have about your test results.

Meet our GPs

Meet our team of highly experienced GPs and nurses, specialists in performing cervical smear tests. With years of expertise and a compassionate approach, they prioritise your comfort and wellbeing throughout the process.

No referrals required and no waiting lists

We put you at the heart of everything we do

Pall Mall is a private medical provider led by doctors, which means you get exceptional care at every step. We prioritise your privacy and confidentiality, creating a respectful, discreet environment suitable for your needs. From your initial contact through to dedicated aftercare, our focus is on providing personalised support that helps you feel at ease throughout.

  • Care Quality Commission Regulated

  • State-of-the-art facilities

  • No waiting lists

  • Rated 4.95 by our patients

  • No referrals required

Frequently asked questions

Our expert team is always on hand to help, advise and arrange appointments with our GPs, Nurses, and specialist consultants.

When is it best to have a smear test?

The best time to have a smear test is when you're not menstruating, as this helps ensure the test is more accurate. We would advise that you book your test midway through your menstrual cycle, typically 1-2 weeks after the first day of your period.

How often should I have a smear test?

The NHS invites women aged 25 to 49 for cervical screening every three years, and women aged 50-64 every five years. If your test results are normal - or HPV negative - we would recommend following the NHS guidance and booking your next test in 3-5 years.

What happens if I miss a test?

If it’s been more than 3-5 years since your last cervical smear, we recommend booking a test to help ensure you're staying on top of your health and reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

If you’ve already booked a test with Pall Mall and need to cancel it, please call us to let us know at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.

How should I prepare for a smear test?

There’s not much you need to do to prepare for a cervical screening, but we recommend you avoid having a smear if any of the below relate to you:

  • You are menstruating (on your period)

  • You are having vaginal bleeding

  • You have had an IUD inserted or removed within the past 12 weeks

  • You have had another smear test within the past 12 weeks

  • You are pregnant or suspect to be pregnant

  • You have had a miscarriage, termination or given birth within the past 12 weeks (natural or C-section)

  • You have had a high vaginal / cervical swab taken in the past 12 weeks (low vaginal self swabs are fine)

  • You had a transvaginal ultrasound scan in the last 2 weeks.

We do also advise patients that it is preferred that you avoid any sexual intercourse for 2 weeks prior to your smear test - where possible.

We know this can be a sensitive or embarrassing subject and you are more than welcome to ask our team any other questions about having a private smear.

What if my smear test results are abnormal?

If you receive an abnormal smear result, it can be worrying, but abnormal results are not uncommon and don’t necessarily mean you are at risk of developing cervical cancer. One in every 20 women are told they have an abnormal smear and are referred for a colposcopy. Often, this simply involves a close examination of your cervix (the neck of your womb) with a colposcope and a small sample (biopsy) to rule out pre-cancer.

What is human papilloma virus (HPV)?

The majority of abnormal smears are caused by a virus known as human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus infects 80% of the population by the age of 50 years and is transmitted through sexual contact. With a new combined test for HPV done alongside your smear, you can have the best chance to get reassurance and peace of mind.

Our Consultant Gynaecologists are also available to perform a private colposcopy to investigate your results more closely if needed.

Should I have a smear test while pregnant?

It can be difficult to get clear results from a smear test while you’re pregnant, so the advice is to wait until three months after you’ve given birth to have your next test.

Can I get a smear test on the NHS?

The NHS offers cervical screening to women aged 25 to 64. If you are outside of this age range and want a smear test, you will need to get one through a private medical provider like Pall Mall.

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Always here to help, whenever you need us

You can expect the utmost care from the moment you walk through the entrance of any Pall Mall clinic - not to mention qualified advice from the second you make your initial enquiry.

If you are eager to learn more about private cervical cancer screening at Pall Mall, get in touch using one of the methods below.