At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we offer private smear tests in London with fast access and results typically within days. Our experienced team of gynaecologists and GPs are committed to delivering care with sensitivity and discretion, whether you are due a routine screening, have symptoms you are concerned about, or would simply like the reassurance of a private appointment. We accept self-pay and all major insured patients.
What is a smear test?
Cervical screening, commonly known as a smear test, is an important test that is used to detect early changes in cervical cells that could potentially develop into cancer. During the test, a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix, which is then checked for human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 100 different types of HPV, which can be divided into low risk and high risk. If someone has high risk HPV, the virus is more likely to cause changes to the cells of the cervix, which can sometimes lead to cancer.
Regular smear tests offer peace of mind, and the chance of early detection if HPV or abnormal cells are detected. By identifying these changes early, cervical cancer can be prevented through treatment before it has a chance to develop. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in the UK with over 3,200 women diagnosed each year.
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, you can get fast access to private cervical screening at one of London’s leading hospitals. Our experienced team is committed to delivering care with sensitivity and expertise, making the process as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Who should have a private smear test?
A private smear test may be right for you if you:
- Are concerned about your risk of developing cervical cancer
- Are experiencing symptoms such as bleeding between periods, after the menopause, or during or after sex
- Have noticed unusual vaginal discharge
- Would prefer a faster appointment than your NHS screening invitation allows
- Are outside the NHS screening age range (25 to 64) but would like the reassurance of a test
- Have previously had abnormal results and want closer monitoring
In the UK, the NHS recommends that women aged 25 to 64 attend regular smear tests. Women aged 25 to 49 should be screened every three years, while those aged 50 to 64 should have a test every five years. If you have received a letter prompting a smear test, you can book a private appointment with us as an alternative to waiting for an NHS slot.
How Much Does A Private Smear Test Cost?
from £135*
The cost of a private Smear Test starts from £135* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions about cervical screening
In the UK, the NHS recommends that women aged 25-64 attend regular smear tests. Women aged 25-49 should be screened every three years, while those aged 50-64 should have a test every five years. If you’ve received a letter prompting a smear test, you should book an appointment with your GP. If you wish to book a private screening or have concerns about symptoms like unusual bleeding or discharge, our gynaecologists are here to help.
Avoid booking your appointment during your period and for two days before or after your cycle. Refrain from vaginal intercourse, using tampons, or applying vaginal creams two days before your appointment. If you’re undergoing treatment for a pelvic infection or unusual discharge, wait until after treatment to schedule your test.
The screening usually takes around 10 minutes.
For all intimate examinations and tests, we offer the presence of a chaperone. The chaperone will be a female nurse or a female trained member of staff. If you would prefer a female doctor, please let us know.
Your doctor will start the appointment by running through the procedure so you know what to expect. Please feel free to ask any questions. Once you’re ready, you will need to undress from the waist down. The doctor will lock the door to prevent people entering, draw a privacy curtain, and wait on the other side until you are ready. A chaperone will also be present in the room at this point to help you feel comfortable.
Your doctor will then ask you to lie on your back on a couch with your knees bent upwards or in stirrups.
At this point, a smooth instrument called a speculum will be inserted into your vagina. Once in place, the speculum opens to allow a clear view of your cervix. If this hurts too much, don’t hesitate to tell your doctor, as they can use a smaller speculum.
A small soft brush will then be used to take a small sample of cervical cells, which will be sent to a lab for testing. This can feel uncomfortable but it won’t take long.
And that’s it! You can then get dressed and carry on with your day.
The results from your cervical screening won’t come instantly as the sample will be sent to a laboratory for examination. Results will normally be ready within 7 days, and your doctor will inform you when to expect them. Outcomes may show:
- No HPV detected and a healthy cervix.
- HPV present but no abnormal cells, suggesting a follow-up smear in a year.
- HPV with abnormal cells, requiring a colposcopy for a detailed check.
- An inconclusive result, meaning you may need another smear in three months.
Most people will not have the HPV virus and a healthy cervix. This means your risk of cervical cancer is very low and you don’t need another screening test for another 3-5 years.
A private smear test at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £135*. This guide price covers the hospital charges associated with the test.
*Please note that this guide price excludes consultation fees and any additional diagnostics that may be required. We accept both self-pay and insured patients; please check with your insurer before booking as prior authorisation may be required.
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
Medically reviewed by Mr Emeka Okaro - MBBS FRCOG on 17/01/2024