Pap smear reminder service frequently asked questions

What is the Pap smear reminder service?

The Pap smear reminder service (also known as the Back-up Record System) is a central database that contains a woman’s history of Pap smears and other cervical cancer related test results in South Australia.

When and why was the service established?

This service was established in 1993 as part of the National Cervical Screening Program organised approach to screening. The key purpose of the service is to:

• remind women and their doctor when follow-up tests are overdue
• assist laboratory staff when they are assessing current tests
• provide appropriate management by doctors according to the national guidelines.

What information does the reminder service collect?

The following information is sent to the reminder service unless specified by the medical practitioner:

• personal details including:
  • name
  • address
  • date of birth
  • Medicare number
  • any other identifying particulars
• full name and business address of the medical practitioner who requested the test
• date on the pathology request form
• name of the laboratory at which the test was performed
• slide or specimen number assigned to the specimen by the laboratory
• results of the test and the pathologist's recommendations.

How does the reminder service collect my information?

Your medical practitioner will send your test to a laboratory for processing. The laboratory will analyse the test and send the results and recommendations to your medical practitioner. A copy of this information is also forwarded to the reminder service.

This service is an 'opt off' system. This means your details will be automatically forwarded unless you advise your medical practitioner that you do not wish to have your personal details disclosed. Your medical practitioner must indicate on the test request form if your choice is to ‘opt off’ to ensure your details will not be forwarded to the reminder service. Each time you have a Pap smear or other cervical cancer related test you will need to do this.

You can choose to have your record inactivated indefinitely by contacting SA Cervix Screening Program Reminder Section. A removal/inactivation request form with a reply paid envelope will be sent to you. Once received by the program, reminder letters will no longer be forwarded to yourself or your medical practitioner.

What are the implications if I 'opt off' the reminder service?

If your results are not recorded, your records cannot be retrieved by you or your medical practitioner in future assessments. If you have any concerns or are thinking of 'opting off', please discuss this in the first instance with your medical practitioner.

Is my information confidential and secure?

All your information is confidential and protected by legislation and security protocols. 

Penalties do apply for breaches of confidentiality.

What is the information used for?

Your results are used to reduce the incidence of and deaths from cervical cancer through:

• sending reminders to women and doctors when Pap smears or other cervical cancer related tests are overdue
• assisting laboratory staff in making the most appropriate follow-up recommendations.
• allowing your medical practitioners to access your previous test results even if you change medical practitioners.
• providing a back-up to individual medical practitioners' reminder systems.

This information is used in accordance with the National Cervical Screening Program guidelines and the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines.

When am I due for my next Pap smear?

If you can't remember when you had your last Pap smear or would like to know when you are due for your next one, you can contact SA Cervix Screening Program Reminder Section.

How can I change my details?

If you have moved or would like to update your contact details, you can contact SA Cervix Screening Program Reminder Section by phone, writing a letter or email. Please ensure you advise your full name, address and date of birth for identification purposes.

What if I no longer need Pap smears, do I need to advise the Reminder Section?

You still need to contact SA Cervix Screening Program Reminder Section and ask us to inactivate your record. A removal/inactivation request form with a reply paid envelope will be sent to you. Once received by the program, reminder letters will no longer be forwarded to yourself or your medical practitioner.