This summary is based on NHS CSP Publication No 20: Colposcopy and Programme Management (Luesley and Leeson) and is supplemented by expert opinion regarding the sample taker and technique of vault sampling. The recommendations are as follows:

Women on routine recall for at least 10 years prior to hysterectomy and no CIN in hysterectomy specimen:

 No vault cytology required
Women with <10yrs routine recall and no CIN in hysterectomy specimen:

A sample should be taken from the vaginal vault 6 months after hysterectomy and if negative no further cytology is necessary . Follow up in primary care

Women with completely excised CIN in hysterectomy specimen:

A sample should be taken from the vaginal vault at 6 and 18 months after surgery with no further cytology if both are negative. Follow up in primary care
Women with incomplete or uncertain excision of CIN in hysterectomy specimen:

Follow up should be conducted as if the cervix were still in situ i.e. for low grade disease at 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery (low risk followup) and for high grade disease at 6 and 12 months followed by annual follow-up for at least the subsequent nine years (high risk follow up). Follow up in colposcopy clinic
Women who have undergone radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer: In general cytological follow-up is not recommended in the assessment of these women but decisions regarding this small group of patients should be determined by the gynaecological oncologist who carries out the procedure
Women who have undergone radiotherapy for the treatment of a cervical cancer: Cervical or vaginal vault cytology should not be performed on women who have undergone radiotherapy as part of their treatment