If HPV is not found in a sample, there is very low risk of developing cervical cancer within 5 years. This is because it takes around 10 to 15 years for cancer to develop after infection with HPV for those who have not cleared the virus naturally. It is therefore safe to extend the screening interval to 5 years for those who do not have HPV.
If HPV is found in the sample, the cells are then examined through a microscope cytology test to check if there are any cell changes. If cell changes are present, the person will be referred for a Colposcopy examination in a Health Board clinic. If there are no cell changes present, the person is invited for a repeat test in 12 months. This is because we know that some people are unable, or take longer to clear a HPV infection. These people are at higher risk of developing cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer and therefore they are given extra checks. These additional checks did not happen before the introduction of HPV testing; previously, the person would have been re-invited for routine screening in three years if there were no cell changes present. It is therefore a better way of us identifying and then monitoring more closely those who are at higher risk.
Following the introduction of HPV testing, there are more follow up checks for those at higher risk of developing cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer, and a similar number of referrals for colposcopy examinations.