Call and recall timetable
Updated 27 September 2024
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1. Entry into the cohort
Individuals must be included in the screening cohort in good time to be entered into their first prior notification list (PNL) 210 days (30 weeks) before their 25th birthday. This allows the first invitation to be sent out when the individual reaches 24.5 or 182 days (26 weeks) before their 25th birthday. The initial next test due date (NTDD) is set 140 days (20 weeks) before the 25th birthday.
2. Prior notification list timing
Details of individuals due to be screened must be added to a GP practices’ PNL 70 days (10 weeks) before their NTDD.
GP practices have 28 days (4 weeks) to review the PNL entry. At the end of this period (42 days before the individual’s NTDD) the PNL entry must be closed. At this point, call/recall letters will be created and dispatched.
GP practices must be notified by the call and recall service of these timings and reminded where necessary.
3. Letter timings
Invitation letters must be created 42 days (6 weeks) before an individual’s NTDD and dispatched as soon as possible thereafter.
Where call and recall services have not received a test result from the relevant cytology lab within 126 days (18 weeks) of the invitation letter being created, the individual becomes ‘overdue’ and a reminder letter must be created and sent.
4. Setting non responder status
Where the call and recall services have not received a test result from the relevant cytology lab within 224 days (32 weeks) of the call or recall letter being sent, the individual becomes a ‘non-responder’. At this point their GP practice must be notified so they can take any follow up activity they deem appropriate. Also at this point, the individual’s NTDD must be reset based on their age and any known screening history.