Significant delays in completing the build of the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) will now delay the introduction of the new human papillomavirus (HPV) test for cervical cancer and the accompanying MBS item numbers, with state and territory departments reverting to existing Pap test registers for cervical screening.

While existing processes will continue until the register is complete, pathology groups have previously warned that there will be a shortage of laboratory scientists after May, the sector having restructured its workforce to reduce the number of qualified cytologists in advance of the new HPV test, which requires five-yearly rather than two-yearly screens.