In 2018, Cervical Screening Wales introduced HPV testing. This test is more effective at identifying people at a higher risk of developing cell changes which can cause cervical cancer. By looking for the virus that causes cell changes, HPV testing identifies those people at higher risk of cell changes and cervical cancer earlier.
Since HPV testing is more sensitive and effective, it is a better test for helping us identify who is at higher risk and needs early follow up or referral for further investigation, and who is at very low risk and does not need further investigation at this time. This reduces the risk of potential harm associated with unnecessary treatment for those who may not need it.