WOMEN across Worcestershire are set to benefit from an improved cervical screening service.

New technology called liquid-based cytology (LBC), introduced by Worcestershire Primary Care Trust on April 1, will reduce the need for repeat tests when cervical samples cannot be properly read by the laboratory.

Dr Lola Abudu, cervical screening coordinator for the trust, said: "The introduction of liquid-based cytology is a huge step forward for cervical screening in Worcestershire.

"Many more women will receive their results faster and fewer will be asked back for another test because of the original coming back as inadequate."

Dr Abudu urged local women eligible for cervical screening to say yes' to their next invitation.

"In the past many women have been put off the cervical screening programme because up to 10 per cent of tests were inadequate," she said.

"This new technology means that women can now be confident that their sample will give a clear result."

Young women aged 25 and over are particularly encouraged to take part in the screening programme.

Eligible women in Worcestershire will continue to have their cervical samples taken at the usual places - either their doctor's surgery or a family planning clinic.

The only difference they will notice during their test will be the use of a plastic, rather than a wooden, instrument to collect the cells.

The sample taker will then put the cells into a small tube of liquid instead of spreading them straight onto a slide.

Cervical screening detects abnormalities which, if left untreated, could lead to cervical cancer. Early detection can be vital for treatment.

For more information about screening, contact your doctor, your local health clinic or NHS Direct on 0845 4647, or visit the cancer screening website at www.cancerscreen ing.nhs.uk