The way we test for cervical cancer has changed, the new method for cervical screening is now testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV), this is a better first screening test.
You have options for how you have your screening sample taken:
- A vaginal swab. This method of testing is more sensitive to the detection of the high-risk HPV and less invasive. You can either self-test during your appointment, or your doctor or nurse can help.
- A cervical sample (previously known as a smear test), taken by a health professional.
Appointment times are 30 minutes long and can be with your GP or nurse.
All people who have cervical smears are part of The National Cervical Screening Programme, unless they specifically state that they do not want to be. We recommend that all persons stay within the programme due to the following benefits:
- Availability of records to you, your clinical team and the laboratory reading your tests
- Automatic reminder letters when you are overdue for having a cervical screen
- Checks to ensure the right follow-up after an abnormal test result
- Planning for the needs of different ethnic groups
The programme is checked regularly to see that it is working well and it is measured against National Quality Standards to help all people with a cervix get the best possible screening and treatment.
Cervical screening is currently free if you meet one of the following criteria:
- this is your first cervical screen
- are Māori / Pasifika
- are 30 years and over and have not had a test in the last five years
- hold a Community Services Card
For further information about the screening programme and the testing available, please visit Time To Screen.
Click on a section to find answers to common questions
You will need to bring:
Need a interpreter?
If you cannot speak English then you will need a interpreter; this cannot be a family member or relative. We can arrange for a interpreter if required, simply let us know when booking the appointment.
There is an additional cost for a interpreter
We can normally get you in within 2-3 days of getting touch with us. It then takes approximately 2 working days to receive and review all of the results
During the medical you’ll have two consultations, one with a nurse and the second with a doctor. We endeavour to make these appointments one after the other, but depending on your urgency this may not always be possible.
The nurse consultation will take approximately 45 minutes. During this time we’ll complete a questionnaire about your health, as well as take measurements of you height and weight. We then take a digital photo which is uploaded to your eMedical case file.
We’ll also do the following tests:
Your consultation with a doctor will take approximately 15 minute appointments. This is a full physical examination, during which time you will need to remove all clothing except your underwear. The examination will involve contact with the doctor.
If you’re a woman over the age of 45 you will also require a breast examination, unless you've had one of the following within the last six months and can provide the results of the exam:
You comfort is important to us so let us know if you prefer either a male or female doctor.
You must use the General Medical if one of the following applies to you:
You must use the Limited Medical if one of the following applies to you:
If you are applying for a visa as the partner or dependent child of a New Zealand citizen or resident and you were not included in, or were withdrawn from the earlier residence application made by your partner or parent then you must use the general certificate.
You'll need a chest X-ray if:
If you're applying for a temporary visa and you intend to stay between 6-12 months
Immigration New Zealand maintain a list of countries, areas and territories with a low insidence of tuberculosis (TB).
If you are from, or have visited, a country, area or territory which is not on this list then you'll need a chest X-ray.
The Health Requirements (INZ 1121) guide has more details and includes the full list.
If you previously had a chest X-ray you may not be required to get a new one. If this applies to you, contact Immigration New Zealand to confirm whether or not you need a new X-ray.Children under the age of 11 and pregnant women are not required to have a chest X-ray, unless it is specifically requested by Immigration New Zealand.
You need to book a separate chest X-ray appointment as we don't complete X-rays at the medical centre.
Your options for getting a chest X-ray are:
