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Cervical screening test

Specimen / container requirements

Please note:

Sample vials past the expiry date will be discarded and a repeat requested (NHS Cervical Screening Programme requirement).
Do not 'top up' any spilt sample from another vial. Send 'as is' to the laboratory (this is to avoid exceeding maximum fluid levels).
Refer patients with irregular bleeding [PCB, IMB or PMB] or clinical symptoms to a gynaecologist [not further colposcopy] for further investigation.
Cervical cytology samples taken prior to the woman's next routine test date maybe discarded - NHSCSP guidance is being updated on this issue.
Additional samples can only be processed if paid for as a private patient.

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