Waiting times for Smear results - taking so long

[olivetor7]

I’m in a panic. I’ve been waiting 4 weeks now for the results of my smear test. The nerves have started to kick in and I’m thinking all sorts. My results are usually back within a week and have always been normal. This wait has got me thinking something must be wrong this time. Does anyone know if there are delays with the labs, I’m in the Glasgow area.

[Chienrouge]

I’m currently 7 weeks post smear with no result! Was told it would take 6 weeks.
A long wait is usually good news though. If there’s anything worrying they will contact you sooner.

[Rachie1986]

I always thought you'd would find out sooner if there was a problem. Try not to panic - although I do understand your worry x

[Rulerruler]

A long wait is good news. Anything nasty is dealt with very, very fast (used to process abnormal smear results for a hospital)

[olivetor7]

Thanks Chienrouge, my goodness 7 weeks is long to wait. I usually don’t panic about my smears but I can’t stop thinking about this one, and I’m letting my brain run away with itself.

[Butterfly1975]

Wow that's a long wait!

I've just had one and the results were back two weeks to the day of my test. I'd contact your GP if not back this week.

Agree with pp that no news is more likely to be good news.

[MissBax]

You've just reminded me that I've not had my smear results back! I'm sure if there was something sinister they'd contact you quite quickly though. Fret not :)

[BikeRunSki]

I had one on 14th Feb (memorable date!) and got the results on 16 March.

[olivetor7]

Oh thanks guy, I feel a bit more relieved. I have stupidly been googling today and it’s boggled my mind. I’m going to step away from google.

[Enigmam]

I've recently been through this myself. All info on letters and from the nurse said results within 2 weeks. I got my results after 3 weeks, I've since seen online that it can take up to 6 weeks. I do understand the fretting though, like others have said, if there was a problem, they'd contact you quick!

[MynameisJune]

I had mine 3.5 weeks ago and still no results. I’ve heard there is a backlog in some areas that’s making them longer than normal.

[dahliaaa]

When I had a smear earlier this year the nurse warned me that results are taking quite a long time to come back.

[PasstheStarmix]

I was told it can take 2-3 weeks for results at my surgery but usually 2. I’ve been waiting 2 weeks so far for my results. I always thought they’d let you know straight away if it’s anything to worry about.

[WineCheeseSleep]

I'd call the GP, after my last smear I waited about 6 weeks and called and they told me the GP surgery had the results within 2 weeks. My letter never did arrive so glad I called!

[olivetor7]

That’s terrible WineCheeseSleep, thank goodness you called.

[ArizonaLeone]

I've had lots of smear tests. The only two where I've heard back quickly they had found cells which I needed treatment for. Chin up, it could just mean there's nothing to worry about!

[NeeChee]

I'm sure with my last one they didn't send me a letter. I had to ring up the GP and ask. I'd had a few HPV+ results in a row, but this time it was clear, which was great news.
IIRC, the times I've had the positive result or required further tests, the letter came more quickly.
So no news is good news I guess?
Ring your GP if you're worried though.

[olivetor7]

I’ve phone the doctor this morning and still nothing. You guys have eased my worries though, thank you xxx

[olivetor7]

Still waiting for my results. I’ve phoned doctor again and they’ve had no word. Has anyone ever had the tests go missing at the lab?

[Chienrouge]

I got mine yesterday after an 8 week and 2 day wait. Apparently they’re experiencing really slow turn arounds in my area at the moment.

[olivetor7]

That was a long wait chienrouge. I have started worrying again that it’ll be bad news. Need to stop googling

[Chienrouge]

Mine was fine, if that helps. Negative result, normal recall.
As I said upthread, my experience is that they contact you much quicker if there is anything to worry about.

[olivetor7]

That’s good chienrouge it was all clear for you. Hopefully I’ll hear something this week x

[awkwardsitch]

I got panicked because my letter arrived 8 days after my result. The envelope sent me into an instant panic because it'd come back so soon. Normal result.

[vjg13]

I had one last week and was told the result time is 2 weeks, remains to be seen!

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Mine took 4 weeks to come back (clear) done last month.