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Book your FREE smear test (female smear taker) your own way:
Smear tests are available on: 
every Tuesday (2:30pm - 6:30pm) 
or alternatively on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday (9:30am - 12:30pm)

What is the purpose of Cervical screening?

A smear test (sometimes called a pap test or a Babes-Papanicolau test) can detect changes in the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb). The earlier abnormal cell changes are found, the easier they are to treat.

How much does it cost?

There are no costs to a woman involved in having a smear test as part of the national screening program. CervicalCheck program provides free cervical screening to women aged 25 to 65 years. 

Is Cervical screening effective?

Cervical screening is internationally accepted as a preventative health measure. While it is recognized that no screening test is one hundred per cent accurate, cervical screening is the most effective method of reducing a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer.

Who is eligible for screening?

Women aged 25 to 65 who live in Ireland are eligible to have a free smear test. Cervical Check program has developed a register (list) of eligible women nationwide aged 25 to 65 through up-to-date information received from the Department of Social Protection.
CervicalCheck sends an invitation by post to women on this list who have never had a free Cervical Check smear test.
Women who have already had a CervicalCheck smear test will be sent a letter to let them know when their next smear test is due.
​Check the CervicalCheck register to find out if your free smear test is due.
Women can have a free CervicalCheck smear test providing:
  • They attend a smear taker (a doctor or practice nurse) who is registered with CervicalCheck - The National Cervical Screening Program
  • They sign the Cervical Cytology Form
  • Program's screening intervals are respected (see further detail below) 
In addition:
  • If the result of a woman’s previous smear test recommends further screening, she is eligible for a free smear test
  • The program supports any woman who has received a recommendation for a post-colposcopy follow-up smear test

Do I still need a Smear test if I had a Hysterectomy?

If you had a hysterectomy, the following brochure would answer your questions regarding the necessity of getting a smear test. Please click here to view the brochure (a .PDF document will open in a new window).

What are the recommended screening intervals?

  • Women aged 25 to 29 will be offered a free smear test every three years.
  • Women aged 30 to 65 will be offered a free smear test every five years.
  • Regardless of the age of a woman when she has her first CervicalCheck smear test, she needs to have two normal smear test results - three years apart, before moving to a five-year screening interval.
  • A woman may also be advised by CervicalCheck to have additional smear tests if further investigation is needed, as recommended by the program.

How are Smear test results provided to women?

Doctors receive the clinical results from the laboratories. CervicalCheck writes to women advising that their smear test results are available from their smear taker (doctor or practice nurse) and advising of the next recommended step for them within the screening program. Most smear test results are negative or normal.

What is CervicalCheck (program)?

CervicalCheck - The National Cervical Screening Program is a quality assured, organized and population-based screening program that is managed by the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS). The program provides free cervical screening (smear tests) to women aged 25 to 65 and is operated in line with best international practice. The Department of Health and Children fund the program.
Click on the following link to read more about the program and register to receive the ID for a free Smear test:
CervicalCheck's official website

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