What it is (and how it differs from a Pap smear)
In Australia, the Cervical Screening Test (CST) replaced the old Pap smear in 2017. Instead of looking for abnormal cells first, it tests for the high-risk HPV types that cause almost all cervical cancers. If HPV is found, the same sample is then checked for cell changes.
Because the test detects risk earlier and more accurately, most women only need it every five years, rather than every two — a big change from the old Pap smear schedule.
What happens during the test
For a clinician-collected test, you lie back and a speculum is gently inserted into the vagina so a small brush can take a sample of cells from the cervix. It usually takes only a couple of minutes. It's normal to feel some pressure or brief discomfort, but it shouldn't be truly painful — tell your clinician if it is, as position and speculum size can be adjusted.
You can ask for a chaperone, request the smallest speculum, and stop at any time. Feeling nervous is completely normal, and a good clinician will take it at your pace.
The self-collection option
You now have the choice to collect your own sample. With self-collection, you use a simple swab yourself (in privacy, behind a curtain or in a bathroom) to take a sample from your vagina — no speculum needed. It's just as accurate for detecting HPV and has made screening far more comfortable and accessible for many women.
If you've been putting off screening because you find it uncomfortable or distressing, self-collection can make it much easier. A telehealth consult can explain your options and arrange your Cervical Screening Test, including self-collection.
References & sources
- 1.Cervical screening test — healthdirect
- 2.Human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine — healthdirect
- 3.Cervical cancer — healthdirect
This content is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult a GP for your personal situation.
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