Having a sample taken by a healthcare provider is similar to having a Pap smear.
When you arrive for your CST your healthcare provider will ask you some routine health questions. This is a good time for you to ask any questions about the test or your general health. If you are feeling worried or anxious, let your healthcare provider know.
You will be asked to undress in private from the waist down, given a sheet to cover yourself and asked to lay down on an examination table. The healthcare provider will gently insert a speculum into your vagina, so that they can see your cervix (the opening of the womb). Lubrication can be used to make the procedure more comfortable for you.
Once the speculum is in place and the cervix is clearly seen, the healthcare provider will use a small soft brush to collect a sample of cells from the cervix. The sample collected is then placed in a container of liquid, so that it can be examined by the laboratory. This only takes a few seconds and once this is done, the speculum is removed and the CST is complete.
A CST is a simple and safe procedure. Having a CST may be uncomfortable but should not hurt. If you feel uncomfortable during the examination or want the healthcare provider to stop, let them know.
Your CST results (healthcare provider-collected sample)
The cervical cells that were collected by your healthcare provider are placed in the container of liquid and sent to a laboratory. The laboratory looks for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV). If HPV is found, the same cervical sample is then re-tested to look for any abnormal cervical cell changes.
It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for your healthcare provider to receive your results from the laboratory. It’s important to agree on a way of getting your results with your healthcare provider.
Find out more about Cervical Screening Test results.