About Our Service
The Colposcopy Clinic in The Coombe operates in association with Cervical Check, The National Screening Service.
Women who have an abnormal screening test or who are recurrently HPV positive are referred to our Colposcopy Clinic by their screening test taker, usually a GP or women’s health specialist.
Our Care Approach
In our outpatient Colposcopy Clinic, we have a dedicated multidisciplinary team of nurses, doctors, healthcare assistants and clerical staff. At the clinic, we aim to assess, sample, and treat an abnormality of the cervix where indicated.
Colposcopy is an examination that is carried out in the same way as a screening test. A doctor or nurse will look at your cervix using a colposcope. A colposcope is a camera with a zoom feature that can assess the cervix closely . This scope/camera stays on the outside of the body. During the examination, a liquid or dye may be applied to the cervix to help identify any changes to the cells and to decide if any treatment is needed.
For most women, we provide reassurance and surveillance of their abnormal cells and HPV status.
For some women, their abnormality will require treatment of these cells, depending on the level of abnormality.
Why Have I Been Referred?
You will be referred for Colposcopy if:
You have 2 positive HPV tests, 1 year apart , with no abnormal cells detected at a screening test.
You have 1 positive HPV test and abnormal cells detected at a screening test.
If the GP or nurse who carried out your screening test thought your cervix has a concerning appearance or if he/she is unsure of its structure.
If it was not possible to obtain a normal (negative) result due to insufficient cells.
If your GP was unable to take your screening test.
What To Expect?
Before the examination, one of our team will discuss your cervical screening test result, explain what the examination will involve and answer any questions you may have.
The examination itself takes about 10 minutes and involves looking at the cervix using a speculum (the instrument needed for your screening to be taken). The doctor or nurse will put two solutions on the cervix and look for changes that indicate the presence or absence of pre-cancerous changes (or CIN) using a microscope with a light.
A biopsy may be taken and sent to the laboratory. Some women are offered a treatment at their first visit rather than a biopsy.
You treatment options will depend on your results and will be discussed with you on the day.
FAQs
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HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a common virus which infects skin or mucus membranes. Many women will have an HPV infection at some time in their lives, usually in their teens or twenties. However, most women clear this infection spontaneously with no long-term effects. Approximately 8 out of 10 adults have had the infection at some time and it is rare for the infection to show any effects at all.
The Cervical Check website and HSE website provide more detailed information on HPV.
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HPV testing has recently been introduced as part of the Cervical Check Screening Programme to help identify those who need further testing with colposcopy. The old ‘smear test’ looked for abnormal cells first. HPV screening tests your cervical sample for the HPV virus. Those with a negative HPV screen are deemed low risk and followed with further screening in 3-5 years depending on age. Those with a positive HPV screen will have the cells on their sample looked at. The result of this will determine if you will require a referral to a Colposcopy Clinic. Your screening test taker will be able to discuss all this with you.
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Colposcopy is safe in pregnancy. For most women a biopsy and treatment can be deferred until 3 months after giving birth.
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Yes, you are welcome to bring a support person.
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No - we recommend that you have a good size meal (breakfast/lunch) prior your appointment.
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Yes - you should still attend your appointment even if you have your period.
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Patient Experience
Every patient’s path to diagnosis and treatment is individual. No matter your specific journey, we believe in empowering you to take an active role in your healthcare.
Departments & Services
Help & Support
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Appointments:
All appointments can be directed through Hospital reception: 01 408 5200, 24 hours a day -
Health Insurance:
We operate a direct payment scheme with VHI, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health, Garda Medical Aid, ESB, Medical Provident Fund, and Prison Officers Medical Aid. If you are covered by any of these insurers, the relevant insurance forms are signed electronically on your admission to hospital.
Fees:
For more information on Fees - visit our Hospital Charges page -
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The Resource Page:
Browse our collection of patient resources, brochures, and information leaflets—all in one place. Downloadable and easy to access, these documents cover everything from appointments and procedures to maternity, newborn care, and more.
Contact Us
Tel: 01 408 5200
Find Us
The Coombe Hospital
Switchboard:
Location:
Cork St, Dublin, D08 XW7X