For many years when we did pap smears, we were looking for abnormal cell changes.
The main cause of cell abnormalities in the cervix is due to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are about 100 different types of HPV. In December 2017 the rules changed. We now test for the presence or absence of HPV. And if the virus is present we look if it has caused any cell changes. By being able to detect HPV earlier then it leads to cell change, it means that the testing regime has been extended out to 5 yearly. So if you have no HPV present during your cervical screening test, your GP will tell you “See you in 5 years time”.