In this section
The laboratory has well-established systems of direct referral to all the colposcopy units in Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Lancashire, and Cheshire and Merseyside. It provides details of the cervical screening result to allow efficient allocation of appointments to ensure women at highest risk get the earliest appointments.
The laboratory has well-established systems for direct referral to all the colposcopy units in Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Lancashire and Cheshire & Mersey. It provides details of the cervical screening result to allow efficient allocation of appointments to ensure women at highest risk get the earliest appointments.
All primary care samples and tests taken in hospital clinics (except colposcopy) where a recommendation for colposcopy assessment has been advised are included in the direct referral process.
Patient identifiable data and test results are sent via secure nhs.net to nhs.net email addresses.
Failsafe
All colposcopy referrals are subject to laboratory failsafe and the guidance issued by the NHSE Cervical Screening: cytology reporting failsafe (primary HPV) [Updated 17 July 2019]
Laboratory failsafe for colposcopy referrals
All colposcopy referrals are included in laboratory failsafe procedures and an enquiry is generated if a colposcopy outcome is not notified to the laboratory within the predetermined timescales. It is important that sample takers are aware that they still have overall responsibility for ensuring the patient attends colposcopy, even when direct referral is in operation, and they should respond accordingly when a failsafe enquiry letter is sent. Any cases where an outcome is not available are audited by the laboratory clinical support for CSPL.
Suspected non-cervical glandular neoplasia
The department has a separate protocol for the referral of suspected glandular abnormalities of non-cervical origin. This involves contacting the GP or sample taker prior to authorising the report to discuss the result and explain that an urgent referral to gynaecology is required. The GP must make the referral to gynaecology as there is no direct referral pathway for this group of women.
(Last reviewed March 2024)