How long do smear results generally take?

[mumnotmachine]

I've just realised it's been 8 weeks since my smear and I haven't had the results back yet.
I'm sure it didnt take this long last time?
I'm positive it was only about 4-5 weeks last time!
Just phoned Drs and they will only give out test results between 2 and 4.30 (if this constitutes a "test"?)

I'm assuming no news is good news, but am sure I should have heard back by now?

Yes, usually they say 4 -6 weeks. I'd chase them up. But they will be fine, I think you'd have heard if not.

Hi
It depends where you live as to how long it takes to get your result back. In England you're supposed to receive your result letter by day 14.

In some areas there hsve recently been laboratory mergers which could have led to an increase in turnaround time but it really should not be that long.
Have you moved recently and if so did you update your address at the surgery?
It is a test: please ring the surgery back and get the result.

Hi richtea, since last year the NHS CSP standard is that all women should receive their result letter in writing by the 14th day - that's calendar days not working days. So if you had a test on 1st July you should get the result by the 15th.

I didnt know that Belam that's really good to know though and a huge improvement.

Sorry I didnt come back earlier in week- still no results and impossible to get through to surgery!

My friend said yesterday though that her results took about 10 weeks to come back so there much just be a backlog

Hmmm, well it does sound like you're not the only one. I didn't realise that there were any places that had that sort of a backlog now and I hope you don't have to wait much longer.
Keep chasing it though - the surgery should be able to let you know what's going on.