National lab still not processing CervicalCheck samples after March pause

HPV and cytology samples are currently being processed by Quest Diagnostics Inc in America

The National Cervical Screening Laboratory has not yet resumed CervicalCheck sampling, having paused this work six months ago due to accreditation issues.

The new laboratory, located in the Coombe Maternity Hospital, first began processing these samples in December 2022. The move was part of the State’s response to a report by Dr Gabriel Scally on flaws in CervicalCheck.

However, the laboratory paused this work in March because documentation for the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) was not complete.

A HSE spokesman said processing would restart when accreditation was restored.

“The work to respond to the reaccreditation is being treated with the highest priority,” he said.

“The INAB laboratory inspection has taken place and the final confirmation documents are being submitted. We await INAB’s final decision on the resumption of services.” 

In the meantime, HPV and cytology samples are being processed by Quest Diagnostics Inc in America.

“There is no change in the way samples are processed and women and their GPs are receiving their CervicalCheck results in the same way and within the usual timeframe,” he said.

“We are grateful to our quality-assured US laboratory provider for their support at this time, which has ensured the continued operation of our national cervical screening programme in line with our quality and service standards.” 

A spokesman for the 221+ advocacy group said: "We'd like to see this sorted sooner rather later, and we'd like to see everyone apply themselves to solving this." 

The HSE dismissed concerns the pause may be linked to staff shortages, saying the equivalent of an additional 11.9 staff have been recruited.