This paper reports the proof of concept for a novel qualitative technique for detection of cervical cancer using optical properties of gold nanoparticles formed with residual acetic acid collected after visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). A colorimetric strategy employing the surface plasmon resonance of gold nanoparticles is proposed. The varying sizes of the gold nanoparticles formed in the presence of different % of acetic acid resulted in different colors. The reasons for the difference in colors were understood by through characterization of nanoparticles formed with different % of acetic acid. The proof of concept for application of this technique is demonstrated at laboratory level by detecting the different percentages of acetic acid. The quantification of acetic acid has the scope and potential of being used as an extension for the existing visual inspection with acetic acid technique. With the merits of simple procedures, ideal portability, short detection times for detection, this platform could be applied as an extension to the existing visual inspection with acetic acid technique in the future for colorimetric screening which requires further clinical sample analysis validation. © 2019 IEEE.