to think if I want a smear test, I should be able to have one?

[WirSindEinVolk]

Name change as a slightly intimate topic...

In the last month, I’ve started noticing that I’ve had bleeding between periods as well as after sex.

I want to have a smear test to check everything’s ok on that front, but when I went to book one at my GP surgery, the receptionist told me I couldn’t, because my last one was only 3.5 years ago. According to her, I have to wait the full five years.

She told me that even if she gives me an appointment and a nurse takes the sample, the lab will refuse to test it.

Does anyone know if this is true? Surely a lot could change within 3 and a half years, and if you’re having symptoms you should be able to get it checked?

(I should say, I’ve had a GP appointment, but he seemed to think it was all menopause-related. It may well be but I’d rather be sure)

I think you should make an appointment with the nurse at your surgery and explain. The lab will rest anything that comes through with the appropriate bar code sticker. The receptionist is being ridiculous.

If you’re having symptoms that need checking, a smear isn’t appropriate. You should be referred for a colposcopy to get it checked out, and for that you need a GP appointment. So make an appointment with your GP to discuss it.

I can never understand this either, but a smear test is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. I don't really understand the difference as a layperson as I would have thought that when you see a specialist the first thing they will do is look at your cervix and take a sample of cells. But you need to see a GP and get referred for further tests. I assume the receptionist made you an appointment and didn't just send you away?

Patients cannot just demand the test they want. You see a doctor, who will review your symptoms and see whether it is necessary. Your doctor has decided it is not. If you're unhappy with that you are always free to get a second opinion but if the NHS let everyone order their own tests whenever they wanted the NHS would no longer exist.

I recently had a smear and they checked last smear date and said lab would reject if under the standard time frame.

X post with your update, I’d still ask for a colposcopy referral to put your mind at rest, no good pushing for a smear when they aren’t recommended for checking out symptoms- they’re a screening tool for people who don’t have symptoms.

I’ve actually already seen a GP, but he said it was almost certainly just peri menopause symptoms, and didn’t need further testing.

Oh you did see the GP. If you are concerned it's not menopause related then you need to go back and insist on a referral. Women get fobbed off too often.

You need a diagnostic test, not a screening smear. You need to book an appointment with your GP.

I'd go back to the gp and insist. Of course the lab will test it if accompanied by a proper referral. Outside the specified screening interval, I'd imagine a gp would need to request it.

Cross posted with you. I’d see another GP. That’s not something to be ignored or written off as peri menopausal issues.

It probably is your age though. I have all sorts of weird and wonderful things going on with my cycle! But if you are worried, go back. And ignore the virtue signalling above about not being able to ask for tests. As I said above, women are constantly fobbed off when it comes to these sorts of issues.

Like everything else, it will be to do with funding. The funding will be available for 1 smear test every 5 yrs, no more. As a PP has stated, it is the responsibility of the clinician rather than the patient to request tests.

I think some areas only check for HPV on smears now so wouldn’t be much use to you anyway. I agree asking for a gynaecology referral would probably be a better idea.

If you want it on the NHS, then the NHS should have the right to refuse. HOWEVER, you should be able to pay for whatever treatment you want.

I had this. I booked a GP appointment and she managed to get one sorted for me.

I would insist on seeing a different (female) GP and talk things through with her. There are certain GP's at our practise that I refuse to see because I don't feel comfortable around them. Make sure you're not fobbed off and see someone you're comfortable with and who takes your concerns seriously :)

The labs certainly used to send things back which weren't within their criteria for testing (whether bloods or cytology). I'd expect it hasn't changed.

Please don't allow them to fob you off.
I've just had my test and in the letter it says that you should contact the dr if you have bleeds between sex etc.
See another doctor. As for receptionist, disregard.

You can pay to have one done privately

Go and see another GP. You have symptoms that need investigating!

Hi OP I'm a GP.
As others have said, smears are for screening only i.e. asymptomatic patients. For symptoms such as you have, colposcopy would be more appropriate.
Did the one you saw examine you?
Bleeding after sex should be investigated. Usually with examination and swabs. Some infections cause bleeding, or hormonal changes so it could be perimenopausal. Colposcopy referral would be done if no other cause can be found or if cervix looks abnormal on examination.

If you are worried then you should definitely see the GP again, another one if that helps. As others have said, the smear test is a screening test and it will certainly be rejected by the lab (I'm a Practice Manager).

Like everything else, it will be to do with funding

No, it’s based on clinical evidence.

She is right that the lab may refuse. I tried to go for one a couple of yars ago as I thought it was due and she said that it wasn't due for 6 months and that she would do it, but the lab may refuse to test and I would have to do it again. I said I'd wait rather than do it twice!