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Queensland Health Pap Smear Register

What is the Queensland Health Pap Smear Register (PSR)?

The Queensland Health Pap Smear Register (PSR) is a central database that contains a complete history of Pap smears and other related test results for the women of Queensland.

The PSR started on 8 February 1999.

What information does the PSR collect?
Data that the PSR collects:

• your name
• your date of birth
• your address for correspondence
• the date a Pap smear was taken
• the result of the Pap smear, including management recommendations and actions
• Pap smear provider details
• details of the pathology laboratory that processed the Pap smear
• treatment information, where obtainable
• the date and results of HPV DNA tests
• details of the health professional who took the HPV DNA tests
• details of the pathology laboratory that processed the HPV DNA tests
• the date and results of other related tests
• details of the health professional who took the related tests
• details of the pathology laboratory that processed the related tests.

How does the PSR collect my information?
Your Pap smear provider sends your Pap smear to a laboratory for processing. The laboratory then analyses the Pap smear and sends the results and recommendations back to the Pap smear provider and to the PSR.

Confidentiality and security of information
All information on the PSR is strictly confidential and is protected by legislation and security protocols. Penalties apply for breaches of confidentiality.

When am I due for my next Pap smear?
If you can't remember when you had your last Pap smear or would like to know when you are due for your next one, you can phone the PSR on 1800 777 790.

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Can I get a copy of my Pap smear history?
If you change Pap smear provider, move interstate or overseas or you would like a copy of your Pap smear screening history for your own records, you can request a copy by:

• downloading, completing and mailing or faxing the Request for Screening History form
• phoning 1800 777 790 and request a copy of the Request for Screening History form.

Once the completed form is received by the PSR and your identity is verified, a copy of your past screening results will be mailed out to you.

I no longer need Pap smears - do I need to advise the PSR?
If you are advised you no longer need Pap smears you can call the PSR on 1800 777 790. This will stop any future correspondence being sent out to you.

Changing your details on the PSR
If you have moved or would like to update your contact details, you can:

• phone 1800 777 790
• download, complete and mail or fax the Change of Details form
• return the tear-off slip from any PSR correspondence you have received
• contact the PSR in writing.

Benefits of the PSR
The PSR will:

• send you a reminder letter if you are overdue for your regular Pap smear. The PSR provides a back up system to any existing reminder system used by your Pap smear provider
• work with your Pap smear provider to help ensure you have follow-up tests if needed
• keep a history of your results to assist your Pap smear provider and pathology laboratory when they examine your current Pap smear 
• provide a list of all your previous Pap smear results (since 1999) at your request 
• assist in providing a better understanding of cervical abnormalities, their prevention and effective treatment.

What if I do not want to be on the PSR?
A woman may choose not to have her details forwarded to the PSR or may remove her details at any time.  The PSR is an 'opt-off' system - so your details will be automatically forwarded to the PSR unless you advise your Health Care Professional you do not wish to participate.  You need to do this each time you have a Pap smear. Your Health Care Professional must write this on the test request form to ensure your details will not be forwarded on to the PSR.

If your results are not recorded by the PSR or are deleted from the PSR, they cannot be retrieved by you or your Pap smear provider to assist in future assessments.  If you have any concerns or are thinking of 'opting off' the PSR, please discuss this with your Pap smear provider.
If you have any queries, have decided to be removed from the PSR or you would like to stop further correspondence you can:

• phone 1800 777 790
• download, complete and mail or fax the Deletion Request form
• contacting the PSR in writing.

PSR Information for Health Professionals 

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