The National Cervical Screening programme has made changes to the standard recall period for cervical smears.
For all smears taken on or after the 1st July 2025, the standard recall time will be 5 years rather than 3 years, as it had previously been for some age groups.
There are some variations to this dependent on the results of the sample. This will be explained in the patient result letter that you will receive after your test.
For more information about cervical smears:
www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/
Information About Cervical Screening
From September 2025 NHS England start sending digital results from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, Utilising the NHS App.
In September, those who have a negative test result will be notified of this by an NHS App message. It will also appear as an NHS App notification. If the NHS App message isn’t read within 72 hours, a letter will be sent as a failsafe.
Abnormal results will continue, for the time being, to be sent by post.
Invites for Cervical Screening are now being sent digitally through the App, text or letter.
What you need to do
Download the NHS App and Turn on your notifications.
