Australia has established a new cervical screening process based on recommendations by Australia’s independent Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC). This new test regime has commenced on the 1/12/2017.

The new Cervical Screening Test has replaced the existing Pap test. MSAC recommended that the new screening test will be conducted every five years for people aged 25 to 74 years.

MSAC also advised that

  • an HPV test with partial genotyping should be undertaken every five years
  • cervical screening should commence at 25 years of age
  • people should have an exit test between 70 and 74 years of age
  • people with symptoms (including pain or bleeding) can have a cervical test at any age

For full information on the new test please check here: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/healthcare-providers


PEN CS has added a new report tab to cover the new screening test.

All women will be moved to HPV screening as their pap smear falls due. A woman with a current pap test is up to date.

There are 5 segments in the graph:

  • HPV <= 5yrs - HPV tested within the last 5 years
  • Pap <= 2 yrs (no HPV) - Pap tested within the last 2 years but no HPV test done
  • HPV>5yrs / Pap>2yrs (no HPV) - No HPV test in more than 5 years/ no Pap test in more than 2 years
  • Not Recorded
  • Ineligible
  • Opted out/No longer requires screening (not available in all CIS)
Not recorded means there is no HPV or Pap test recorded for the patient! Patients with 'other' or no gender entered, will be included in the report to ensure no patient at risk is missed.



Please check for exclusion criteria and pathology test names used here:

Diagnosis Codes Screening Tests