Abnormal cervical screening

​​​​​​Emergency

If any of the following are suspected, seek emergency medical advice or refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary)

  • Nil

When public outpatient services are not routinely provided

  • Positive human papillomavirus (HPV) (not 16/18) with a normal liquid based cytology (LBC) or pLSIL/LSIL on 1 test
  • Post-coital bleeding on 1 occasion
    Note: recommended that general practitioner collects co-test
  • Undergoing test of cure​

Criteria to access public outpatient services

CategoryCriteria
Category 1
Recommended to be seen within 30 calendar days.

  • Abnormal appearing cervix with any abnormalities detected on co-test
  • Adenocarcinoma in-situ (AIS) or possible high grade glandular lesion
  • Any atypical glandular cells or endocervical cells of undetermined significance
  • LBC showing pHSIL/HSIL (irrespective of HPV result)
  • Liquid based cytology (LBC) showing invasive cancer (squamous, glandular or other type)
  • Positive human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 with unsatisfactory or no LBC if 
  • previous HSIL or no cervical screening for 10 years​
​Category 2
Recommended to be seen within 90 calendar days.
  • Abnormal appearing cervix with no abnormalities on co-test
  • Any abnormal result and history of excisional treatment of AIS
  • History of diethylstilboestrol (DES) exposure in utero regardless of CST who are not part of an annual colposcopy program
  • Positive human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 with any of the following features:
    • Normal LBC
    • Unsatisfactory or no LBC with normal screening within the last 10 years
    • pLSIL/LSIL
  • Positive HPV (not 16/18) on 3 consecutive tests over 24 months
  • Positive HPV (not 16/18) on 2 consecutive tests with any of the following features:
    • Aged 50-69 years
    • > 2 years overdue for screening at the time of the initial screen
    • Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
  • Positive HPV (not 16/18) on 1 test with any of the following features:
    • Aged > 70 years
    • Immune deficient
  • Recurrent post-coital bleeding in a pre-menopausal woman or patient with a cervix after sexually transmitted infection (STI) excluded or treated

Category 3
Recommended to be seen within 365 calendar days.

  • ​Nil

Information to include within a referral

Required

  • Reason for referral
  • Details of the presenting condition, including symptoms and their duration
  • Provisional diagnosis
  • Patient health summary (such as relevant medical history, relevant investigations, current medications and dosages, immunisations, allergies and/or adverse reactions), including specifically:
    • Liquid based cytology (preferred)
    • Medicare number
    • History of abnormal bleeding (i.e. post-coital and intermenstrual) or abnormal discharge
    • History of previous abnormal cervical screening
    • History of immunosuppressive therapy​​

If available

  • All previously performed, or most recent or current cervical screening results
  • Body mass index
  • HPV vaccination history
  • Sexually transmitted infection screen result
  • History of smoking or vaping​

Important information for referring health professionals

If there is a change to a patient’s condition while waiting for their appointment, referring health professionals may further investigate and manage the situation, or send an updated referral to the outpatient service. Where there are significant concerns about a patient's condition, referring health professionals may check HealthPathways for urgent/same day advice or contact the relevant clinical team.​​

Current as at: Monday 23 March 2026
Contact page owner: System Purchasing