This edition of the Requirements for cervical screening sets out the standards for using human papillomavirus nucleic acid testing as the primary screening method for cervical cancer screening.
The Requirements for cervical screening (Second edition 2024) replaces the following NPAAC pathology standards from 1 February 2025:
- Requirements for laboratories reporting tests for the National Cervical Screening Program (Second Edition 2019)
- Requirements for validation of self-collected vaginal swabs for use in the National Cervical Screening Program (First Edition 2019)
- Performance measures for Australian laboratories reporting cervical cytology (Third Edition 2015)
What does this mean for Australian pathology laboratories?
All accredited pathology laboratories are required to comply with the Requirements for cervical screening (Second edition 2024) starting 1 February 2025.
The Requirements for cervical screening (Second edition 2024) include transition arrangements from 1 February 2025 until 30 June 2025 for reporting only. Please contact your accrediting agency for information on the accreditation cycle and upcoming assessments.
