Private labs process bulk of CervicalCheck samples as public capacity lags

Over 83% of cervical screening samples in Ireland were handled by private international labs in 2024, with US-based Quest Diagnostics managing the lion’s share. Just 15% were processed domestically by the National Cervical Screening Laboratory, highlighting a continued reliance on outsourced diagnostics.

While screening demand remains high—over 220,000 samples processed last year—public sector capacity continues to fall short. The imbalance raises questions around long-term resilience, data sovereignty, and the strategic role of private partnerships in national healthcare delivery.

Explore the full breakdown and what it means for the future of public screening infrastructure.