Receptionist won’t give smear results? Feeling terrified

[User86649]

I’ve had an awful year with so many bad things happening that now I have got it in my head that something else is going to happen.

Had a smear on Tuesday, called today and receptionist said it had come back but the doctor hasn’t signed it off so she couldn’t tell me and I should call tomorrow.

I’ve been googling ever since and now convinced it is something bad otherwise surely she would just say it’s normal? It seems strange to be back within two days as well. I am already so broken that I don’t know if I can take much more.

[GroundAlmonds]

It could literally be that it is a negative result that hasn’t been reviewed by a doctor yet.

It could be borderline and need repeating.

It could be abnormal and need follow up, which could in itself lead to a whole variety of outcomes.

It could be so many things. You don’t know.

One step at a time.

[User86649]

Why wouldn’t they just say if it is negative?

Thank you for replying. I feel so weak at the moment

[Mischance]

It is always an anxious time after medical tests, but her answer is simply following the practice's administrative protocol and in no way something to be concerned about. Receptionists are not allowed to give out results unless the doctor has seen them and OK'd this. GP has not seen it yet, so she cannot give you an answer. Stop googling and get a good night's sleep!

[ssd]

Perhaps it's the practice policy that the Dr has to give results, or the Dr has to see the results first before they're given out?

[Giraffey1]

Receptionists are just that, they aren’t medically trained and it isn’t their job to tell you the results of tests.

[ssd]

Not unless the gp has signed it off and given permission I presume

[louise4745]

What made you phone up for the results 2 days after? Mine come in the post after 7-10 days.

[User86649]

I thought I had a missed call as it was an unknown number. Then I just asked when I called. Wish I hadn’t as I’m so panicked now

[ShellsAndSunrises]

My doctors have done this the last two smears I’ve had. They used to give results so I’ve stressed every time, but it’s just how they work now. The receptionist can’t give the results until the doctor has reviewed them. Mine have always been fine, and the receptionist said last time that she shouldn’t say anything but it’d have been reviewed by the doctor quicker if they expected anything to be wrong, so it’d be reviewed and not to panic.

I hope the same is true for you; and that you hear soon

[Pixxie7]

Administration staff aren’t medically trained and normally have a blanket rule over giving out results. Smear test results aren’t a simple negative or positive there are several greys in between.

[GroundAlmonds]

@ssd

Perhaps it's the practice policy that the Dr has to give results, or the Dr has to see the results first before they're given out?

Yes. That’s normal I believe.

[MonkeyPuddle]

I work in a GP surgery.
Results come into the system electronically, they are assigned to a Dr to comment on them, this process can take a day or two, fitting round clinic sessions, days off etc, once it has been done this is what the receptionist can tell you.
But before the results have been commented on the result is still visible on the system, but the receptionists are not allowed (in our surgery at least) to give out the result, in case it is wrong/serious/needs further investigation/a multitude of reasons. The receptionist cannot say it is negative, unless it’s been documented as such by one of the GPs.
So for now, don’t worry x

[GreenPlum]

I called for regular blood test results today and was told the doctor hadn't signed them off yet.
I think it's a system thing and she literally couldn't see them. Sounds like the same with you.
Try not to worry. I hope it turns out ok. x

[Sleephead1]

Hi op I am a receptionist obviously different practices will do things differently but at the surgery i work at the doctor views the results they then indicate normal or abnormal then write in a free text box a message something like tell patient to make an appointment. We can see the results but obviously cant interpret them so we just say the doctor said your results are back they are asking to speak to you. Sometimes patients want us to read out results eg what is this level ect. Or start to panic saying what's wrong obviously we cant advise re this. If its indicated as urgent by the GP they usually indicate how urgent eg they need to speak to them that day, that week ect. Hope you get an answer today.

[Sleephead1]

Also if it has come back but the doctor hasnt viewed it. It just means its waiting with all the other tests to be viewed by the doctor and they have not looked at it yet. So the receptionist can see your name on a list but she wouldnt be able to see anything else and only the doctor can view and action it. It will be actioned attached to your record and then the receptionist will be able to go into your record look at your test results and see the result and any message from the doctor.