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    The content on this page is not current guidance and is only for the purposes of the consultation process.

    Consultation on new and updated NICE indicators: GID-IND10330 to GID-IND10335 & GID-IND10337 to GID-IND10338

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    Screening: cervical screening (25 to 64 years)

    GID-IND10328: The proportion of patients eligible for cervical screening and aged 25 to 64 years at end of the period reported whose notes record that an adequate cervical screening test has been performed in the previous 5.5 years.

    Please note that this indicator is a proposed update and replacement of existing indicators IND176 Screening: cervical screening (25 to 49 years) and IND177 Screening: cervical screening (50 to 64 years).

    Indicator type

    General practice indicator suitable for use in the QOF.

    Rationale

    A cervical screening test is a way of detecting abnormal cells on the cervix. Detecting and removing abnormal cervical cells can prevent cervical cancer. Cervical screening aims to reduce the number of people who develop cervical cancer and the number who die from it. Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages.

    This indicator aims to improve uptake of cervical screening and ensure it is performed at the appropriate intervals. From July 2025, changes to the screening schedule by NHS England mean those aged 25 to 49 who test negative for HPV will be invited for screening every 5 years instead of 3 years, in line with new guidance. Screening for those aged 50 to 64 will remain every 5 years.

    Source guidance

    NHS England publish cervical screening standards. It is expected these will be updated following the announced changes to screening frequency.

    Specification

    Numerator: The number of patients in the denominator whose notes record that an adequate cervical screening test has been performed in the preceding 5.5 years.

    Denominator: The number of patients eligible for cervical screening aged 25 to 64 years.

    Calculation: Numerator divided by the denominator, multiplied by 100.

    Exclusions:

    • Patients without a cervix.

    • Patients who are male.

    • Patients who are pregnant.

    Personalised care adjustments or exception reporting should be considered to account for situations where the patient declines, does not attend or if cervical screening is not appropriate.