If no human papillomavirus (HPV) is found in your sample, the sample will not be kept.
If HPV is found, the sample will be used to make a slide with your cells on it. We will look at the cells to see if they are normal or if there are any changes.
We will keep your slide for at least 10 years. The laboratory can then compare your latest test result with the ones that you have had before. This is to make sure that you get any treatment you may need. We may review all screening records, including your slide, as part of our aim to offer a quality service and to help increase the expertise of our specialist staff.
If a review were to show that you should be cared for differently, we would contact you. We would offer you information about the review of your case if you wanted to know it. We may also use your sample for teaching or for research purposes. This would not use your name. If you are unhappy about this, please let the person who takes your test know.