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Booking a cervical screening test

You need to book your screening test yourself.

How to book a cervical screening test

Phone a GP or clinic to book an appointment. If your test is due, it is free with a GP or clinic registered with CervicalCheck. You can check if your own GP is registered.

But you do not need to be a patient of a GP or clinic to have your screening test done there.

When you can book cervical screening

You can book a test if you:

  • checked the CervicalCheck register and it says your screening test is due soon
  • get an invitation letter to tell you it's time to book your cervical screening appointment
  • have lost or did not get an invitation letter and your test is due
  • missed your last test

Screening and pregnancy

You may have to delay having a cervical screening test if you:

  • are pregnant now
  • have given birth in less than 3 months
  • have recently had a miscarriage or abortion

Cervical screening during pregnancy

Things to ask when you book

Book your appointment as soon as you get your invitation letter or know your test is due soon.

It's best to book an appointment for a day when you do not have your period.

Warning

Avoid using any vaginal medicines, lubricants or creams in the 2 days before you have your test. They can affect the results.

Let the GP surgery or clinic know if you have any worries about going for cervical screening.

In many GP practices and clinics, when you book your appointment you can ask for:

  • a woman to take your screening test
  • someone else to be in the room with you
  • a longer appointment if you think you might need more time

What happens at a cervical screening test appointment

If you have a disability

Contact us if:

  • you or someone you care for needs support to take part in CervicalCheck
  • your eyesight is poor or you are blind - you can ask that we contact you by phone instead

You can contact our access officer by email access@cervicalcheck.ie or freephone 1800 45 45 55.

You can check if a GP practice or clinic is wheelchair accessible. But it is best to also contact them. This is to make sure they can help you with any needs you have.

Tell the GP or nurse what is helpful to you when having a screening test. They are there to help you and make you feel comfortable.

Contact CervicalCheck

If your test is not due

If your cervical screening test is not due but you want to have one, talk to your GP about this.

If you missed your test the last time it was due, you can still have it for free.

Page last reviewed: 19 December 2022
Next review due: 19 December 2025