1. When to book a cervical screening test
Invitation by letter
You will usually be invited to make an appointment by CervicalCheck. They will send you a letter reminding your that your next cervical screening test is due. The timing will depend on your age.
Checking the register
If you have not received a letter, or want to check when your next screening test is due, you can following this link: Check register
It will redirect you to the CervicalCheck website. There, you will be asked to enter:
- Your PPS number
- Your date of birth
If you see information that tells you when your next screening test is due, this means you are on CervicalCheck’s register. You can then book a cervical screening test by contacting a GP (see below).
If you don’t see any information, you can enter your details to register with CervicalCheck.
If you don’t want to be part of our screening programme, you can find information on how to opt-out of CervicalCheck opt-out of CervicalCheck (this link will take you to hse.ie)
2. What is the CervicalCheck Register
The cervical screening register is a list of people CervicalCheck invites to make an appointment for a free cervical screening test (formerly smear test).
Most people who are eligible for screening are already on their register – CervicalCheck gets details from the Department of Social Protection.
But there is a chance CervicalCheck has your old contact details or that you’re not automatically on the register.
If you have not had cervical screening in Ireland before make sure to:
- check that you are on the cervical screening register
- give us your correct contact details
You can do this from age 25.
You can also use the register to find:
- when your next screening test is due so you can make an appointment for a test
- your Cervical Screening Programme Identifier (CSPID) if you have lost your reminder letter
Why CervicalCheck needs your correct contact details
CervicalCheck uses your details to:
- remind you when your next cervical screening test is due so you can book a test
- tell you when your results are ready
If your details change
If you have had cervical screening before, update your details as soon as possible when they change. For example, if you move address.
If you have returned to Ireland after living in another country, check you are still on the register. Enter your contact details to make sure CervicalCheck can contact you.
How to check, join and update the register
You need your PPS number and date of birth to check the register.
Women and anyone with a cervix can get free cervical screening.
To join the cervical screening register you also need to:
- live in Ireland
- have a PPS number
- be age 25 to 65
Phone
CervicalCheck can check if you’re on the cervical screening register, add you to it or update your details for you.
Freephone: 1800 45 45 55
Online
You can check, join and update the cervical screening register online.
To do any of these:
- Go to the cervical screening register (this link will take you to hse.ie).
- Enter your PPS number and date of birth.
- Enter your contact details.
If you’re not on the register CervicalCheck uses the details you enter to add you to the cervical screening register.
Through a GP or clinic
If you are not on the register you can make an appointment to have a free test with:
- your GP – check if they are registered to do free screening tests
- a clinic that is registered to do free screening tests
You can do this if you are eligible for cervical screening and have a PPS number.
At your screening appointment you will be asked to complete a form with your details and sign it.
Your GP or clinic will send your form and test to the laboratory.
CervicalCheck will use the details on the form to add you to the cervical screening register.
Opting out of cervical screening
It is your choice whether or not to have screening. If you decide that screening is not for you and you do not want any more invitations, you can opt out. This means you will not get invited for screening in the future.
Opting out is something to think through very carefully. It could mean that early signs of cervical cancer go undetected. You may want to discuss any questions or concerns with your GP or CervicalCheck.
If you have had a hysterectomy
You can ask to be removed from the register if you have had a hysterectomy and your cervix was removed.
How to opt out
Complete and sign the opt-out form (this link will take you to hse.ie).
Send your completed form by freepost to:
CervicalCheck – The National Cervical Screening Programme,
Freepost LK407,
Limerick
If you change your mind, you can have a free cervical screening test in the future. Contact CervicalCheck or a book an appointment with a registered GP or clinic
3. How to book your Cervical Screening
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.
You can find a clinic using this link: find clinic.
Acknowledgement
This page contains information based upon content from reliable sources including the HSE’s website (this link will take you to HSE.ie).