To request another smear test..

[Mulberry7373]

I had a smear in July 2017, it came back as having ‘abnormal cells’. This bothered me as I have always had normal smear result. I went back 5 months later and asked for a repeat smear, but was told no, that they weren’t allowed to do another one as I had already had one recently. I said, Yes I have, but the results concern me, so I would like another one now it’s been a few months. Still they refused, the nurse actually said even if she performed a smear, they wouldn’t look at it as it was too soon. AIBU to ask for another one now - or should I wait the full 3 years ? And has anyone ever been refused and had one privately ? Wondering what the cost may be.

I had an abnormal smear recently and I now have a hot date with a microscope.

Did your Doctor explain why the cells were abnormal?

Nope, no explanation, just a letter in the post informing me my recent smear showed abnormal cells. I questioned it with the nurse at my coil removal appt, she said ‘Oh lots of people have abnormal cells’ ! Well I never have before !

Really strange they aren't investigating further.

That’s odd; when I had abnormal cells I had a colposcopy and a repeat smear 6 months later. Can you phone the number on the letter or is it just your normal surgery number?

Nhs says this:

Abnormal

If you have abnormal results, you may be told you have:

• borderline or low-grade changes (dyskaryosis)
• moderate or severe (high-grade) dyskaryosis

If your result is low-grade, it means that although there are some abnormal cell changes, they're very close to being normal and may disappear without treatment.

In this case, your sample will be tested for HPV. If HPV isn't found, you're at very low risk of developing cervical cancer before your next screening test.

You'll be invited back for routine screening in 3 to 5 years (depending on your age).

If HPV is found, you'll be offered an examination calledcolposcopy, which looks at the cervix more closely.

If your result is high-grade dyskaryosis, your sample won't be tested for HPV, but you'll be offered colposcopy to check the changes in your cervical cells.

All these results show you have abnormal cell changes. This doesn't mean you have cancer or will get cancer.

It just means that some of your cells are abnormal, and if they're not treated they may develop into cervical cancer.

I’ve had the same thing very recently however was told the reason they won’t test again so soon is that you need time for the cells to regenerate or along those lines!

Normal surgery number. I’m going to call them tomorrow morning. Thinking about it now I should have insisted on another smear after 6 months or something, she just made me feel like a CF for asking for another smear so soon after the first - like I was trying to drain the NHS or con them out of an extra smear - like having a smear is fun !

I don't think another smear would be of much use. Did you discuss your result with your gp?

Thank you dementedpixie, it was tested for HPV and was negative.

No I haven’t discussed it with GP, I haven’t seen a GP since then.

Should add, I did discuss it with the Nurse, but she was very unconcerned. Maybe it’s just me being a drama llama !

Your GP won’t be able to do it, because the lab absolutely won’t process it before the next one is due as per your last result. That’s the screening programme rules and your GP has no say. (Zimbabwe a GP).

If you want another, unfortunately, you will have to have a private one done.

I would call them and insist that they explain the results and what they mean for you op.

Zimbabwe!!!! WTF! I meant “I am a GP.”

If you had abnormal cells then they have to investigate further op, they can't just leave it.

I can't see why you would have to have a private smear.

Plonkyplink - I was thinking oh Zimbabwe must have the same rules as us 😂

I agree with Plonky. The smear test programme is for routine screening, not diagnosis. They won’t do another before 3 years unless medically necessary. Which it might be if your last results were abnormal?

I paid for a private one, £170 with a private gp.

“Zimbabwe”

If they are low grade the standard practise is to wait until your next is due I believe.
Trust me, if you had tested positive or had high grade, you would be booked for a colposcopy very quickly which (in my case) also led to a speedy booking for lletz procedure. All happened within around 6 weeks.

If your HPV was positive they would be following it up - as per post above. If your HPV was negative that is very reassuring re: low risk for cervical cancer. Abnormal cells is very non specific - you definitely don't need another smear. It's a shame no-one explained that to you though so you didn't worry. Please ignore posters saying it should be being followed up - it shouldn't.

By all means go private if you want but you are not getting a repeat so soon on the NHS because it isn't necessary - not because it's too expensive.

Thank you all, you are all so helpful and reassuring. I feel better about it already !

As plonkypink said the lab would decline to test the smear as you are not due your next smear yet. The main thing is the abnormal cells do not contain the HPV virus ( which causes most cervical cancer ) so therefore you are put back onto normal recall. Another smear would possibly show the same abnormal cells!

Yes, it’s a shame you were not explained this would have saved you a lot of worry!

The NHS smear programme is screening not diagnostic, and they won’t be able to do one ahead of schedule. Even if the GP or nurse did it early the lab wouldn’t process the sample so not much point asking. If you’re on routine recall it will be because the changes were low grade and HPV negative, so safe to wait 3 years. To be fair they should have sent out a letter or leaflet explaining this, but there is good info on the NHS website or patient.co.uk. If you have other concerns you could make an appointment to discuss with the nurse or GP but don’t expect them to offer an extra smear because they’re not allowed and the evidence says it’s not needed. (Trainee GP)