Smear test results - how are you notifed ?

[LIZS]

I hadn't had a smear test taken in UK since 1998 until September just gone(was abroad and pg in between)and I was told the results would take 6-8 weeks. As it is now over 2 months I was getting concerned at not having been sent the results, previously I'd had a standard letter to say sample negative and make note for next one due in 3 years.

So today I rang the surgery to see if there were processing delays or if I needed to follow it up, also wondering if perhaps the first analysis hadn't been clear cut and it had needed relooking at (I had an infection at the time it was taken which may have affected the sample) or worse that there was something amiss. Apparently they only now write to you direct where there is a problem so you have to phone the surgery to get the actual result - noone told me the system had changed so I've been,in a way fortunately, fretting over nothing as it was negative after all.[relief]

[Sparks]

I had one in the spring and they sent me a letter to say it was negative. It must be one of those administrative things that varies from one health authority to another.

You are right to be angry that noone told you the procedure. Why didn't the nurse explain what would happen next after she had finished taking the sample? Are you angry enough to make a complaint?

[LIZS]

No I won't make a complaint but I've got an appointment next week anyway so will mention it to the gp . The nurse told me, after I asked, to phone for the swab results a week or so later but not specifically for the smear - perhaps I misunderstood ? I did point it out to the receptionist I spoke to today that I hadn't known to call. Doesn't seem a very efficient way of doing things .

[Sparks]

No not an efficient way of doing things, but less expensive. If they send out letters, they pay for all that stationery and postage. If you phone, you pay for the call.

[Tutter]

they didn't tell me the result of my last test either - i had to call to be told it was ok