Abstract

The World Health Organisation has set a target for elimination of cervical cancer within the next century and increasing screening uptake is important. An audit of vaginal swabs, a less invasive sample received for HPV testing outwith screening programme showed that the main clinical indications for these requests were inability to take a standard cervical smear sample for cytology or inability to visualise the cervix followed by women's unwillingness or inability to tolerate speculum due to pain or previous trauma. Offering vaginal swabs where there is clinical justification can provide a means of HPV based screening for cervical cancer.