The Requirements for cervical screening (First edition 2023) will no longer come into force on 1 August 2024. This follows the identification of a number of matters relating to the Standard that require further consultation with the pathology sector before it comes into effect. A revised date of effect is currently being considered. Adequate notice will be provided to laboratories once an effective date has been confirmed. In the interim, the three existing cervical screening pathology standards (specified below) will remain in force.
The Requirement for cervical screening sets the standards for using human papillomavirus nucleic acid testing as the primary screening method for cervical cancer screening.
For further updates on this, please visit the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care’s webpage.
What does this mean for Australian pathology laboratories?
There will no longer be any changes to the cervical screening accreditation requirements on 1 August 2024. All accredited pathology laboratories are required to continue to comply with:
- 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), and
- Performance measures for Australian laboratories reporting cervical cytology (Third Edition 2015).
Please contact your accrediting agency for information on the accreditation cycle and upcoming assessments.