Private Smear Test in Preston
A cervical smear test checks for high-risk HPV and early cell changes on the cervix, so anything abnormal can be found and followed up early. One short appointment gives you clear results and peace of mind.
From £119 · GP-Led · No NHS Registration Needed
Book a private smear test near you in Preston
Yes, you can book a private smear test in Preston without an NHS referral or registration. At My Private Clinic in Fulwood you can arrange a confidential, GP-led cervical smear test, with same-day appointments where available. Dr Faizal Secretary will explain every step and go through your results with you.
A cervical smear test, known in some countries as a Pap smear, is a preventive test. It looks for high-risk HPV and for early cell changes on the cervix, so that anything abnormal can be found and followed up long before it has the chance to become serious.1
Private smear test cost in Preston: a private smear test starts from £119. That covers your GP-led women’s health consultation, taking the cervical sample, and the laboratory testing.
Includes a private GP appointment · Evening and Saturday appointments · No NHS registration needed
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MBChB, MRCGP · GMC 7606534
Why choose My Private Clinic for a smear test
GP-led screening
Talk to a registered GP about your medical history and any screening concerns before the sample is taken.
Laboratory testing
Samples are processed by an external laboratory using established high-risk HPV and cervical cytology methods.
Convenient appointments
Evening and Saturday appointments are available, so you do not need to take time off work.
Unhurried and gentle
Appointments are taken at your pace, which matters if you have found cervical screening uncomfortable or distressing before.
No registration needed
You stay registered with your NHS GP. With your consent we can also access your NHS records.
What is included in your private smear test
Our cervical screening looks at two important markers:
High-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing
We test for the high-risk strains of human papillomavirus that cause the majority of abnormal cervical cell changes. High-risk HPV is looked for first, because it is persistent infection that puts the cervix at risk over time.
Liquid-based cytology
Where high-risk HPV is found, or where co-testing is clinically appropriate, the cervical cells are examined by liquid-based cytology to look for abnormal changes.
High-risk HPV testing is the primary test used in the NHS cervical screening programme, with cytology used to check the cells of samples where HPV is found.34
When to book a private GP appointment for a cervical smear test
It is worth booking cervical screening if any of the following apply to you:
- You have reached the age at which routine cervical screening starts in the UK, which is 25.
- You have had a letter inviting you for routine screening.
- A previous result showed high-risk HPV or abnormal cells and you have been asked to repeat the test after 12 months.
- You have noticed unusual vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex, or after the menopause.
- You have noticed a change in vaginal discharge, in colour, texture or smell.
- You have unexplained pelvic pain, or pain during sex.
- You have missed previous screening invitations and want to catch up.
If you have symptoms such as bleeding between periods, pelvic pain or a change in discharge, say so when you book. A smear test is a screening test and does not investigate symptoms, so those need their own assessment, which we can arrange at the same private GP appointment.
UK screening frequencies and age guidelines
My Private Clinic follows the UK national screening intervals:2
Screening outside the routine intervals
Some patients ask about screening more often than the national intervals, high-risk HPV testing on its own, or screening before the age of 25. This can be arranged privately, but only after a proper discussion with our GP about whether it is likely to help you.
The UK programme starts at 25 and uses 3 and 5 year intervals deliberately, because screening earlier or more often tends to pick up HPV infections and cell changes that would have resolved on their own, which can lead to unnecessary worry and unnecessary treatment. Dr Faizal Secretary will go through what screening would and would not tell you in your situation before anything is arranged.
Before your smear test: timing, periods and sex
Booking at the right time helps make sure the sample can be read properly, and avoids having to repeat the test:
Can you have a smear test during your period?
It is usually better to book outside your period. Heavy menstrual flow can make the sample harder to read and may mean you need a repeat test. If your flow is light you may still be able to go ahead, so call the clinic and we will advise.
Can you have sex before a smear test?
Avoid sex for 24 to 48 hours before the appointment, particularly if you use lubricants, spermicides or vaginal medicines, as these can affect the sample.
What about a smear test in pregnancy?
Routine cervical screening is normally deferred during pregnancy and usually arranged about 12 weeks after the birth. If you are or might be pregnant, tell the clinician so the right timing can be agreed.
If you would also like a full sexual health check, our sexual health and STI clinic can assess that at the same visit.
What happens at your private smear test appointment
The most common worry people raise is whether a smear test hurts. It should not be painful. A small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and sent to the laboratory, and the appointment runs in three stages:
Consultation
Your private GP appointment is the chance to talk through the test, ask anything you want to ask, and explain if a previous examination was uncomfortable so it can be handled differently.
Gentle examination
A speculum is used so the cervix can be seen. Different speculum sizes are available to reduce pressure, and you can ask the clinician to pause or stop at any point.
Collecting the sample
A small sample of cells is taken from the cervix with a soft brush. This part takes only a minute or two. You may feel pressure or brief discomfort, but a smear test should not be painful.
Understanding your cervical smear test results
Your result will show whether high-risk HPV was found, and whether there are any cervical cell abnormalities.
No high-risk HPV was found. You carry on with routine screening at the normal interval for your age.
High-risk HPV was found. The cervical cells are then examined, and depending on what they show you may be asked to repeat the test or be referred for a closer look at the cervix.
Cell changes need further investigation. Your GP will explain what was found and arrange the appropriate next step, which is usually referral for colposcopy.
An abnormal result does not mean you have cervical cancer. It most often means HPV was found, or that there are cell changes that need a closer look.6
After your smear test: recovery and aftercare
- You can go straight back to your normal routine.
- Light spotting or mild cramping for a short time afterwards is common.
- You can have sex again whenever you feel ready.
- Contact a doctor if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain or anything else that worries you.
- Follow the clinic instructions you are given about how your result will reach you.
Questions patients often ask
Is it normal to bleed after a smear test?
Light spotting afterwards is common and settles quickly. See a doctor if you have heavy bleeding or severe pain.
Can you have sex after a smear test?
Usually yes, as soon as you feel ready, and particularly once any spotting or discomfort has settled.
Private smear test FAQs
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP
Can I get a private smear test if I am not registered with an NHS GP surgery?
Yes. You can arrange a private smear test whether or not you are registered with an NHS GP practice. A private GP-led clinic can carry out cervical screening directly, and you stay registered with your own NHS GP.
Can I book my first smear test privately?
Yes. If you are eligible for cervical screening, you can book your first smear test privately. Dr Faizal Secretary will explain the process before the test and answer any questions you have.
What happens next if I have an abnormal smear test result?
An abnormal cervical screening result does not mean you have cervical cancer. It usually means high-risk HPV was found, or that there are changes in the cervical cells. Your GP will explain what the result means and arrange the appropriate next step, which may be a repeat test or referral for colposcopy.
Is a smear test a test for STIs?
No. A smear test is a screening test for cervical cell changes and high-risk HPV, not an STI test. If you think you may have an STI, you need urine, swab or blood tests instead, which are available at our sexual health clinic.
Can I have a smear test if I have symptoms?
Yes, but tell the clinician about your symptoms beforehand. A smear test is a screening test and does not investigate symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or unusual discharge, so those need a separate assessment.
How long does a private smear test take?
Taking the sample usually takes a few minutes. The appointment itself is longer, because your clinician will explain the whole process first and make sure you feel at ease.
How often should I have a smear test?
How often you need cervical screening depends on your age and your previous results. Under the NHS programme in England, women aged 25 to 49 are invited every three years and women aged 50 to 64 every five years.
How quickly will I get my private smear test results?
Your sample is processed by an external laboratory, so the turnaround depends on the laboratory. We confirm the expected timescale when your sample is taken, and Dr Faizal Secretary goes through the result with you.
Can I have a smear test if I have had HPV before?
Yes. A previous HPV result does not stop you being screened. If you have had high-risk HPV detected before, screening matters more rather than less, because the point is to keep checking for cell changes over time.
Does a smear test hurt?
A smear test should not be painful. You may feel pressure or brief discomfort while the sample is taken. Different speculum sizes can be used to reduce pressure, and you can ask the clinician to stop at any point.
Can I have a smear test during my period?
It is usually better to book outside your period, because heavy menstrual flow can make the sample harder to read and may mean a repeat test. If your period is light you may still be able to go ahead, so contact the clinic and we will advise.
Related services at My Private Clinic
Many patients who book a private GP consultation in Preston also use these services, either at the same appointment or as a follow-up.
You can also see our full list of services.
Book your private cervical smear test in Preston today
Take control of your cervical health with discreet, GP-led screening at My Private Clinic in Fulwood, Preston. Dr Faizal Secretary (MBChB, MRCGP) provides a calm, professional appointment at a time that suits you.
- Face to face with our private GP in Fulwood
- Online GP consultations in Preston for the discussion before or after your test
- Same-day appointments where available
- Private GP home visits where clinically appropriate in Fulwood and Preston
No registration is required and you stay registered with your NHS GP. With your consent we can also access your NHS records.
Sources
- Walboomers JM, Jacobs MV, Manos MM, et al. Human papillomavirus is a necessary cause of invasive cervical cancer worldwide.
- NHS. Cervical screening.
- UK Health Security Agency. Cervical screening: laboratory HPV testing and cytology services. GOV.UK.
- Ronco G, Dillner J, Elfstrom KM, et al. Efficacy of HPV-based screening for prevention of invasive cervical cancer. The Lancet.
- Davey E, Barratt A, Irwig L, et al. Effect of study design on liquid-based cytology accuracy: systematic review. BMJ.
- Cancer Research UK. Cervical screening.