The Compass Trial is a world-first clinical trial being led by Australian researchers and doctors with the aim to determine the most effective strategies in cervical cancer screening in human papillomavirus vaccinated women.

Stage one of the trial involved 5000 women and revealed high-grade cervical abnormalities were detected in one per cent of women who were HPV screened, as opposed to the 0.1 per cent of women given pap tests.

Now in its second stage, the trial aims to recruit 8000 more women - in the age bracket of 25 to 38 years of age to reach the target number of 82,203 women - in an effort to confirm the HPV test is a superior screening method.

The trial is supported by 570 general practices in Australia, including Springs Medical Centre. Dr Jon Barrell of Springs Medical Centre said the Compass Trial was important in the screening and prevention of cervical cancer.