Chapter 20: Diagnostic investigations
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Legal and professional issues
It is advised that the practitioner offers the patient the option of having a chaperone. The chaperone may be a person of the patient's choice who will accompany them throughout the procedure. The decision of the patient in regard to a chaperone should be documented (RCN 2106b). Healthcare professionals conducting cervical smears should also be familiar with national guidance (NHSCSP [104]).
Governance
Smear tests are often performed by doctors and nurses. Training for cervical sample takers is designed to support the education and training of competent practitioners (NHSCSP [105]). Training should reflect current trends, developments and understanding of the cervical screening process in light of new recommendations (RCN [129]).
Risk management
It is essential that women are informed that the likelihood of an inadequate test is about 1–2% for LBC and 9% for conventional cytology (NHSCSP [105]).
