This article is general information only, not medical advice. If you have severe pain, fever, or urgent symptoms, seek medical attention.
Still searching for a "Pap smear"? In Australia, the Pap test was replaced by the Cervical Screening Test in 2017. Here's what changed, and how cervical screening works now.
What Changed
On 1 December 2017, the 2-yearly Pap test was replaced by the 5-yearly Cervical Screening Test. The Pap test checked for changes in the cells of the cervix. The Cervical Screening Test checks for HPV (human papillomavirus), the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers.
Can You Do a Pap Smear at Home?
Yes. You can choose to collect your own vaginal sample instead of having a clinician collect a sample using a speculum. According to Queensland Health, a self-collected cervical screening test is just as safe and accurate at detecting HPV as a clinician-collected sample.
The difference is what the sample can be tested for. A self-collected vaginal sample can only be tested for HPV, not for cell changes. If HPV is found, you'll need a follow-up: either a speculum examination so a clinician can collect cervical cells for testing, or a referral for colposcopy, depending on the type of HPV found.
Skip the speculum. Do your Cervical Screening Test at home with our HPV self-collection kit. Discreet delivery, prepaid return post, GP-reviewed results.
Who Needs Screening?
The National Cervical Screening Program invites women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 who have ever had sexual contact to have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years. The 5-year interval applies when HPV isn't found. If HPV is found, you'll need further testing and won't wait the full 5 years for your next test.
TestSmart's Cervical Screening Kit
TestSmart's Cervical Screening Kit includes a self-collection swab and prepaid return post. Your sample is processed by a NATA-accredited laboratory and your results are reviewed by an Australian-registered GP and delivered online.
How it works:
- Order online and complete a short health questionnaire, reviewed by a GP
- Your kit arrives in discreet packaging
- Collect your own vaginal swab at home
- Post it back using the prepaid mailer
- Receive your GP-reviewed results online
Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is a Pap smear the same as a Cervical Screening Test? | No. The Cervical Screening Test replaced the Pap test in 2017. It checks for HPV rather than cell changes |
| How often? | Every 5 years if HPV isn't found, sooner if it is. Ages 25–74 |
| Can I do it at home? | Yes. A self-collected sample is just as accurate at detecting HPV as a clinician-collected sample |
| Do I need a GP visit first? | Not with TestSmart. A GP reviews your online questionnaire |
| What if HPV is found? | You'll need a follow-up: a clinician-collected sample to check for cell changes, or a referral for colposcopy |
You can order an at-home cervical screening kit to do your Cervical Screening Test without a speculum. For STI testing, see our at-home STI test kits.
Reviewed by Australian-registered GPs per current clinical guidelines. General information only — discuss your results with your doctor.