Cervical screening includes testing for high risk Human Papilloma Virus (HR-HPV). Women who are positive for HR-HPV may be called for routine smear tests at more frequent intervals. They can donate provided they are not undergoing other tests or awaiting colposcopy investigation.
Women with abnormal cells on a smear test are triaged according to their risk of developing cervical carcinoma. Women at higher risk will be referred for investigation and treatment via colposcopy.
A colposcope is an instrument used to view the neck of the womb (cervix). It is not a flexible endoscope so its use is not a reason for deferral if the donor is otherwise eligible to donate.
Abnormalities identified at colposcopy include cervical intra epithelial neoplasia (CIN, Grades 1-3) and cervical glandular intra epithelial neoplasia (CGIN). CIN-3 is also known as cervical carcinoma in situ. By definition, patients with CIN or CGIN do not have invasive cervical carcinoma, so can be accepted once treated, fully healed and discharged. There is no need to wait for the results of their next routine smear, usually at 6 months post treatment, unless the donor has been advised that follow up will be necessary at the colposcopy clinic.
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