Better2Know Cancer screening

PAP Smear

A cervical smear test that looks at cells from the cervix for changes that may need further investigation, taken as a vaginal swab at a clinic.

  • Female
Sample
Swab
Collection
Vaginal swab sample at clinic
Results in
5 days
Biomarkers
1
Tests for
  • Pap Smear

Test specifications

Provider
Better2Know
Sample type
swab
Collection method
vaginal swab sample at clinic
Turnaround time
5 days
Biomarkers tested
1
At-home test
No
Doctor reviewed
No
Gender focus
Female

What's tested

1 biomarker as listed by Better2Know.

  • Pap Smear

About this test

A PAP smear looks at cells taken from the cervix to check for changes that can sometimes precede more serious problems. It is commonly used as part of routine cervical screening, and picking up cell changes early allows them to be monitored or followed up rather than left unchecked. This version tests the PAP smear alone, without an accompanying HPV test.

There is no named comparison group for this specific test in our data, so we cannot compare it directly against competitor PAP smears. Against the broader set of similarly sized cancer screening tests we track, £185 is around 147% above the £75 median, which is the main driver of its weak value for money score. With a single biomarker, it sits in the 32nd percentile for clinical depth among cancer screening tests generally.

It scores well for clarity, since the listing sets out the sample type, turnaround and booking process clearly, and reasonably for collection convenience, since it is a quick, non-invasive swab with results back within about 5 working days. Trust-signal scoring reflects Better2Know's 4.2 Trustpilot rating from 775 reviews, CQC registration and 18 years of trading, while the lower results and follow-up score reflects that results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.

Who is it for?

This suits you if you specifically want a standalone PAP smear rather than a combined PAP and HPV test, and you are comfortable attending a clinic for a vaginal swab. We do not have data on comparable PAP smears from other private providers, so we cannot say whether this is competitively priced against named alternatives; against the broader cancer screening category it tracks, it is priced well above the typical level. If you have symptoms such as unusual bleeding or discharge, see a GP rather than waiting for a private test.

How it works

A clinician takes a vaginal swab sample at a Better2Know clinic using a small brush to collect cells from the cervix, which is then sent to the lab for analysis. Results are typically ready within about 5 working days and are provided through Better2Know's online patient area. The fact sheet does not state that a doctor reviews results as standard.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Quick, non-invasive swab taken by a clinician.
  • Listing clearly states the sample type, turnaround and booking process.
  • Standalone option if you specifically want a PAP smear without an HPV test.

Cons

  • Priced around 147% above the £75 median for similarly sized cancer screening tests we track.
  • No comparable named competitors in our data to check pricing against directly.
  • Results are not doctor-reviewed as standard.
  • Single-marker test, placing it in a lower percentile for clinical depth among screening tests.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score Priced well above the typical cervical screening test
Editorial confidence: 9.0/10

Costing £185, this PAP smear sits roughly 147% above the £75 median for similarly sized cancer screening tests we track. A clinician takes the sample as a vaginal swab at a clinic, with results typically back in about 5 working days. Results are not doctor-reviewed as standard.

Score breakdown

  • Clarity and documentation 9.0/10

    The listing publishes a detailed description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.

  • Clinical depth 6.4/10

    1 biomarkers, placing it in the 32nd percentile of cancer screening tests we track.

  • Collection convenience 4.0/10

    A swab sample taken at a clinic; results in around 5 days, in line with or faster than similar tests.

  • Results and follow-up 3.0/10

    Results are not doctor-reviewed and no consultation is included; the provider does not describe the report format.

  • Trust signals 6.5/10

    Trustpilot 4.2 from 775 reviews; CQC registered; trading 18+ years.

  • Value for money 2.0/10

    £185.00 against a median of £75.00 for the 19 similarly sized cancer screening tests we track (+147%).

Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.

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