Making an appointment

Which patients do I refer for colposcopy?

Patients who have had abnormal cervical cytology:

• urgently via cancer referral office for any smear suggestive of invasion
• after one smear showing mild, moderate or severe dyskaryosis
• after one smear showing any kind of glandular changes
• after three smears showing borderline squamous changes.

Patients for any clinical indication you feel should be referred to colposcopy, such as:

• unusual looking cervix
• bleeding after intercourse
• suspicious symptoms.

How do I refer to the colposcopy unit?

• a colposcopy referral proforma, attached below or available from the colposcopy office, or typed letter should sent to the colposcopy unit
• you are able to book via Choose and Book.

How long does it take for a patient to receive an appointment for colposcopy?

Patients would normally receive details of their appointment three to five days after we receive the referral letter.

When is my patient likely to get an appointment for?

Once we have received the colposcopy referral, it is vetted by a doctor who will decide on the urgency.

Waiting times

There are currently no waiting times for a colposcopy appointment; but all appointments are booked dependent on the urgency of the appointment.

• suspect invasion, cancer suspected - seen within two weeks
• clinically suspicious cervix - seen within two weeks
• severe and moderate dyskaryosis (inc adeno) - seen within two weeks
• mild or borderline - seen within five weeks
• non-urgent clinical indication - seen within five weeks  

If you have any queries about referring to the colposcopy unit please contact the nurses office on 020 8510 5039.