What happens in a cervical screening/ smear test appointment?

During cervical screening a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix for testing.
How cervical screening is done
You'll need to undress, behind a screen, from the waist down. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.
The nurse will ask you to lie back on a bed, usually with your legs bent, feet together and knees apart. Sometimes you may need to change position during the test.
They'll gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina. A small amount of lubricant may be used.
The nurse will open the speculum so they can see your cervix.
Using a soft brush, they'll take a small sample of cells from your cervix.
The nurse will close and remove the speculum and leave you to get dressed.
The cervical screening test itself should take less than 5 minutes. The whole appointment should take about 10 minutes.
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