Colposcopists: Key HPV Information
As of March 3, 2025 new HPV testing has gone live in Ontario.
Regional Cervical Cancer Screening Lead
Dr. Cheryl Lee
Waterloo Wellington High-Grade Colposcopy Central Referral Program
Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program has partnered with Grand River Hospital, St. Mary's General Hospital SCOPE program, and the eHealth Centre of Excellence to develop a central referral program. This program aims to expedite information transfer and shorten the wait times for high-grade cytology to Colposcopists in our region.
Find out more on our Waterloo Wellington High-Grade Colposcopy Central Referral Program page.
Resources for Colposcopists
The following tables contain quick access to documents and resources for Colposcopists.
Supporting Documents
| RESOURCE | DESCRIPTION |
| HPV Testing (Abridged FAQ) for Colposcopists | Answers to questions about implementing HPV testing and changes to the Ontario Cervical Screening Program. |
| Seven Colposcopy Pathways Ontario Cervical Screening Program (OCSP): Guide to Colposcopy | This document provides an overview of the OCSP’s seven pathways for investigation and management of abnormal cervical screening results. These pathways are informed by someone’s immediate risk and five-year risk of developing cervical pre-cancer (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or adenocarcinoma in situ histology) or invasive cancer. The pathways outline key decisions, such as number of colposcopy visits, necessary interventions, tests, discharge eligibility and the recommended post-discharge screening intervals. |
Requisition Forms
| FORMS | DESCRIPTION |
| HPV and cytology tests requisition form – colposcopy for follow-up of cervical screening-related abnormalities | This new form is the only requisition that providers offering colposcopy can use to order an HPV test for their patients as part of the Ontario Cervical Screening Program. This form is different from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care laboratory requisition. Providers offering colposcopy should add this to their inventory of test request forms. |
| HPV and cytology tests requisition form instructions – colposcopy for follow-up of cervical screening-related abnormalities | Instructions on how to complete each section of the new HPV and cytology requisition form for colposcopy. |
Customized Decline Referral Letters
| DECLINE REFERRAL LETTER | DESCRIPTION |
| Declined Referral Letter - Template (EN) | A letter a colposcopist can send to a provider to let them know their referral was declined. The letter may include an explanation on the reason for referral decline. |
Customized Regional Discharge Letters
| DISCHARGE LETTERS | DESCRIPTION |
| 1. Colposcopist to Patient (EN) | A letter that a colposcopist can send to a patient when they are discharged back into primary care. The discharge letter indicates whether the patient received treatment in colposcopy and what their recommended screening interval is post-discharge. |
| 2. Colposcopist to Patient - Hysterectomy (EN) | A letter that a colposcopist can send to a patient when they have had a hysterectomy and are discharged back into primary care. The discharge letter indicates whether vaginal vault testing is required based on hysterectomy results. |
| 3. Colposcopist to Primary Care- Hysterectomy (EN) | A letter that a colposcopist can send to a referring primary care provider when their patient has had a hysterectomy and is discharged back into primary care. The discharge letter indicates whether vaginal vault testing is required based on hysterectomy results. |
| 4. Colposcopist to Patient Screening Cessation (EN) | A letter that a colposcopist can send to a patient when they are discharged back into primary care and have met the screening cessation criteria. The discharge letter indicates final colposcopy results. |
| 5. Colposcopist to Primary Care Screening Cessation (EN) | A letter that a colposcopist can send to a referring primary care provider when their patient is discharged back into primary care and has met the screening cessation criteria. The discharge letter indicates the patient's final colposcopy results. |
6. Colposcopist to Primary Care Version 1 (EN) 7. Colposcopist to Primary Care Version 2 (EN) | A letter that a colposcopist can send to a referring primary care provider when their patient is discharged back into primary care. The discharge letter indicates: - The patient's final colposcopy results - The recommended risk based screening interval post-discharge - How to manage screening results post-discharge There are two versions of the letter. Each letter has a different layout to accommodate provider preference and electronic medical record (EMR) software capabilities. |
For the most up-to-date information, visit OH-CCO's HPV Hub.
Patient Information & Resources
- Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program: Cervical Cancer Screening information
- Patient and public facing advertisement materials for HPV screening can be found in the HPV Hub.
Colposcopy Community of Practice
The Ontario Colposcopy Community of Practice brings together Ontario colposcopists and other members of the colposcopy community (e.g. pathologists, resource nurses) to share, socialize and implement evidence-informed best practices for colposcopy.
A resource hub for Community of Practice members includes webinar recordings, clinical tools and more to support best practice delivery of colposcopy in Ontario.
Get Involved and Get Access to Resources
To participate in the provincial Colposcopy Community of Practice or get access to the members’ Community of Practice Resources Hub, email ColposcopyCoP@cancercare.on.ca.
Upcoming Events
Stay tuned for future events.
Educational Opportunities
Stay tuned for future educational opportunities.
Questions?
If you have questions about our regional services and supports, please reach out via email: wwregionalcancerprogram@grhosp.on.ca