SMEAR TEST worries - how long to wait for results?

[Diege]

Had a smear 3 weeks ago and was told by nurse to expect results within 2 weeks. Still nothing. Rang the practice yesterday and was informed that my results weren't back in yet. Now of course I'm being totally irrational here, but because of 1. My history of CIN and b. Being a worrier of the highest proportion I am thinking that this might suggest something sinister. Am I being stupid, or may the whole lab be very well poring over my slide in light of what they've seen??? Could anyone please out this whole thing into context for me - sounds nuts but I'm losing sleep/my rag with the kids/dh over the whole thing!

A lot of area's are only "working towards" a 2 week result turnaround, and it is very hit & miss!

The Lab DO prioritise anyone with a previous "dodgy" smear history and process those first, but there are still HUGE numbers being processed after the whole Jade Goody affair.

I think all results are double checked. Any possible nasty results will be put on the top of the pile for quick reporting, so no news is more than likely good news.

Up until recently we were waiting 12 weeks to get our results in.

Gosh iv had one today I had one 6 months ago and i had minor changes so had to go back six months later which was today. The last results did come back quickly but I think thats because there was a problem. It has took it out of me today usually im ok with them but she couldnt get it in right so did alot of tugging about and boy do i feel the pain now.

Im sure all will be fine, good luck

Many thanks! Have just read through LULUs smear thread and realise 2 weeks is a little idealistic
LAUGHALOT, I had the same with my smear; had to go back a second time as first time nurse couldn't find cervix after 20 mins of the tugging you described . At least it is over with now!

Well in my lab we are getting 100% out in 14 days and probably over 70% out to the patient in 7 days, so it is being achieved.

All of England is supposed to achieve it by the end of 2010, obviously some places are ahead of the game with this though. The health authorities and PCTs have had to come up with action plans and I've been to meetings where it has to be demonstrated what's happening.

As for the 'is it abnormal/normal' if I've waited longer/got it quicker - please don't read anything in to it. There can be many reasons for it taking longer, they may have had screening staff off sick for example.

We do everything in the order of the date it was taken, so the oldest samples are always being reported first.

Thanks BELA. So it would seem my nurse was correct in her estimation of time taken to hear back, but as you say this is at present (for some areas at least) a target rather than a reflection of practice.