Cervical Smear Tests

[gillymca]

I had a smear test done in Sept but was called back as there were insufficient cells for a correct result. Had another one done in December and again have been called back as the lab needs more cells. Should I be concerned?? Next available appointment I can get is in March so i have to wait until then for advice.Anyone been in this situation and what was the result.

Didn't want your post to disapper.

Can only say I did get recalled once & it did turn out I needed further treatment, but nothing too serious. I think a lot of pple get called back - if they are saying the reason is insufficient cells sounds like there is nothing too much to worry about. With me, they said straight away there was an abnormality.

Have you asked your GP to spell it out a bit more clearly? Esp as you have to wait a bit.

Hope this helps a bit and good luck.

I had mine redone last time round. GP admitted that it was probably his fault and not a reason to be concerned as if there was a potential problem they would have said so. Not sure if this is standard practise or what. Personally, I would put it out of your mind and ask when you go back in March. If there was any real health concern, I would have thought they would have asked for an immediate appoint. at the hopsital for further tests.Sorry I don?t have a definitive answer for you. I do know how worrying the wait bt. appoints. can be - i was worried sick going back a second time and felt so releived when he told me that there was no suspicious reasons for being recalled.
Hope you can get some reassurance soon.

Sounds to me like they have either lost your swab or done it incorrectly TWICE. I would call the appropriate supervisory person at the NHS and complain and ask for a new swab to be taken and results given immediately. It should only take a few days to get the results (the rest of the wait is nhs incompetance/understaffing/underfunding). I did this once when my gp's "lost" my results and suggested that we wait a "few more months" to see if they turn up from the hospital. I had already had some years before some questionable results (turned out to be nothing), and didn't think that waiting a few more months was a wise idea. The nhs person that I spoke to agreed with me and lo and behold the gp's picked up the phone and "found" the results at the hospital within days.

Having said all of that, you might want to start my talking to the practice manager at your gp's first. They could sort the mess out without turning it into an adversarial position. But if they aren't helpful, go over their heads!