New test could end smears for women

All the area's GP practices have participated in the research, which has been checking the validity of urine HPV testing for cervical cancer and pre-cancer, as an alternative to smears. And a report on the positive findings will go before Dumfries and Galloway NHS officials on Monday. They will hear that a 'vast amount' of data has been gathered locally and it shows there could be a case for totally redesigning screening services. Chief operating officer Julie White said: "This non-intrusive testing could form the basis of a completely redesigned screening service that could reduce inconvenience and discomfort for patients, save money, and probably increase participation rates so a greater number of patients take part in the testing." She added: "We feel that this requires urgent national support – and decisions are required to be made in the future as historic HPV immunisation becomes more prevalent."