20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL
Located at 20 Old Brompton Road – Just Steps from 
South Kensington Tube. Easy Access, Always.
20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL
Located at 20 Old Brompton Road – Just Steps from South Kensington Tube. Easy Access, Always.
We perform private smear tests in London along with HPV testing. There is sub-typing of HPV available in the case your test result is positive. This will enable you to know if your virus strain is at higher or lower risk.
There is a vaccine available against human papillomavirus, or HPV. When you are not sexually active, this vaccine may be given to a woman of any age. If you are sexually active, we advise you to check your current HPV status.
A cervical smear test is conducted to detect whether there are any abnormalities in the cervix cells. Also called a PAP test or PAP smear test, these terms can be used interchangeably. The test will identify any uncertainties in your cervix cells. Such abnormalities might develop into cancer cells in the future. When you find abnormal signs in the cells, it is important to treat them after the PAP test.
If you suffer from an abnormal smear, the doctor will arrange a private appointment and give advice on the next steps of treatment, depending on your case.
Try to arrange the test for the middle of your menstrual cycle, which means avoiding your periods.
Refrain from any kind of sexual intercourse, use of lubricants, tampons, or vaginal medicines 24 hours before the test.
Wear something easy to undress from your waist down. Relaxation: Remain calm and take a pain reliever like ibuprofen if you are prone to discomfort.
Understand the test involves a speculum and a brush for cell collection.
Expect possible light discomfort or spotting, and you can resume your normal activities right away.
Typically, it takes a few weeks to receive results.
Follow your doctor’s advice on screening frequency.
The appointment for smear test lasts for almost 10 minutes but the actual test only takes one or two minutes. Our doctor will perform the test and make you feel comfortable at the clinic.
A PAP smear test might be uncomfortable as the doctor will use a speculum to open the vagina gently so that they can view the cervix. After this, they will use a small brush to take a sample of the cells from your cervix. There should be no pain whatsoever, and our doctors are extremely experienced in making women feel as comfortable as possible during the examination.
There will be a consultation session with a smear price of around £239. The doctor will give a follow-up call after the test results arrive. In the case your smear detects any abnormalities, you will need to discuss possible options for future steps including probable referrals.
The results for cervical screening will be sent to you in a letter, which our doctor will happily arrange to review with you, if you so wish.
Nine out of ten smear tests seem to deliver most appropriate result. If the test is normal, you will be invited for routine screening after three to five years, according to your age.
Sometimes the result might be 'inadequate' as there weren’t sufficient cells present in the sample or the cells couldn’t be seen easily. This may occur due to an infection. If this takes place, then you will be asked to perform another test after three months.
|
Result |
What it actually means |
|
Irregular with lower-grade or borderline cell changes |
If no HPV has been found, then you will be asked to perform screening again within 3 or 5 years. |
|
Unusual with higher-grade cell changes |
Colposcopy is highly recommended. |
|
HPV result is positive without any cell change |
You will be asked for a screening again within a year to check that the HPV has cleared. |
|
HPV found positive with cell changes |
A colposcopy may be recommended to you. |
Routine smear tests are an important part of a woman’s healthcare, and getting them done privately has several benefits:
The results will be delivered to you within 48 to 72 hours after your test.
At Gynaecology Clinic, your Private Smear Test (Pap Test) includes a consultation with our Consultant Gynaecologist, cervical cell sampling, and laboratory analysis. Low risk HPV testing and sub-typing are available as optional add-ons.
|
Service |
Includes |
Cost |
|
Private Smear Test (Pap Test) |
Pap Smear and High-Risk HPV mRNA Test (14 Types) |
Only £184 |
Please note: a sample taking fee of 50 will be added.
Results are typically available within 6 working days, and your doctor will review your results and next steps.
A smear test does not screen for a bacterial or fungal infection - such as BV or Candida. A smear test refers to HPV related cell changes.
Yes, it is extremely important to go for routine smear tests even if you do not currently have sex. Smear tests enable us to detect sudden changes in the cells of your cervix that can develop into cervical cancer if not treated on time. These changes usually develop because of a human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.
HPV infections are common and may be spread through sexual contact. Most women get HPV at some point in their lives. In the vast majority of cases, your body fights off the infection, and you may not even know you had the virus. A smear test will check for any changes in cervical cells caused by HPV infections.
If you prefer a more personalised and convenient option, you can book a private cervical smear test in London for greater flexibility and privacy.
Whether you are sexually active or not, regular smear tests are crucial. For some women, the virus may lie dormant and later cause abnormal cells, so routine screening is highly recommended.
You will come across different treatments that can either destroy abnormal cells or remove the area of the cervix where the cells are present.
If the smear test shows cells with moderate changes, then you might be asked to go for a colposcopy. If the doctor doing your colposcopy detects an area of your cervix to be abnormal, then they may ask you to perform a biopsy. This small sample of the unusual tissue will then be sent to the laboratory for testing.
Based on the results, you might have to perform the treatment to remove or destroy your abnormal cells. This is known as a large-loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) or loop diathermy. In this method, your doctor will use a wire loop through an electric current to remove unusual cells.
You will have to undergo this treatment under local anaesthesia but general anaesthesia might be another option for you. Other treatments that can destroy abnormal cells are – laser therapy, cold coagulation and cryotherapy (freezing).
Eight out of ten people in the UK get this kind of virus at some point in time. This virus is usually found on the hands, fingers, genitals, and mouth. There are different kinds of HPV, and most of them do not cause harm, though nearly 30 of them may lead to cervical cancer.
There’s no difference — both terms refer to the same procedure. A Pap test (or Pap smear) is simply another name for a cervical sample, where a small number of cells are collected from your cervix to check for any abnormalities.
Most women find a smear test slightly uncomfortable but not painful. The sensation usually feels like mild pressure.
If you’ve had a difficult experience before, let your doctor or nurse know — our team can use numbing gel or take extra time to make sure you feel comfortable and supported.
Routine cervical screening is recommended every three years.
If your results show HPV or cell changes, your doctor may recommend annual screening or a colposcopy for further assessment.
In most cases, the immune system naturally clears HPV infections within about two years. Since cervical cell changes develop slowly, frequent testing isn’t required if you’re HPV-negative.
Private screening offers you the option to test more frequently for extra reassurance.
HPV (human papillomavirus) is the main risk factor. It’s extremely common — around 8 in 10 people will have some form of HPV in their lifetime.
Most infections clear on their own, but persistent HPV can cause cell changes that need monitoring through regular screening.
Yes. Even if you’re not currently sexually active, routine cervical screening is still important. HPV can remain dormant for years, and early detection of cell changes is key to preventing cervical cancer.
You should attend routine cervical screening even if you don’t have symptoms.
However, speak with a doctor if you notice:
Yes. Anyone with a cervix — including trans men and non-binary people — should attend regular cervical screening. Our clinic provides a safe, inclusive, and confidential environment for everyone.
Yes. HPV can be transmitted through skin contact, including between women, and by sharing sex toys.
Routine cervical screening remains important for everyone with a cervix, regardless of sexual orientation.
Yes. Avoid sexual intercourse for at least 24 hours before your test if you’re using spermicides, barrier contraception, or lubricant jelly. These can affect your sample and test accuracy.
No, a cervical smear test checks for HPV-related cell changes, not bacterial or viral infections.
If you’d like additional sexual health tests, we can arrange same-day STI screening for, HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Comprehensive STI profiles.
If your smear test shows HPV or cell changes, the sample will be reviewed further under cytology.
Depending on the findings, you may:
Our experienced doctors will guide you through every step and ensure you receive prompt, compassionate care.
Everyone with a cervix should attend regular cervical screening.
However, you may need to delay testing if you are:
Speak to our consultant gynaecologist today.
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