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Original poster

Are smears still being done just now and how long do the results take?

72 replies

ssd · 28/01/2021 11:23

In Glasgow specifically, I have health anxiety and want a smear done, am over 50 , but very worried about how long results are taking just now and how long I'd actually need to wait to get a smear done.

Any advice?

OP posts:
WhateverJudy · 28/01/2021 11:24

I'm in England so may be different but mine was done as usual back in November. The nurse warned me results could take several weeks as they were taking longer than usual but I had my letter within about a week and a half I think, felt quicker than usual!

Original poster
ssd · 28/01/2021 11:44

It's the waiting ages for results that worries me

OP posts:
shouldistop · 28/01/2021 11:45

I think they're still being done, I was told to get mine booked in once ds2 was 3mo anyway.
I don't think they'll give you one just due to anxiety though Thanks you'd either have to be due one or have certain symptoms.
Are you ok?

dementedpixie · 28/01/2021 11:45

Have you had a letter inviting you for a test? When was your last one?

Kayjay2018 · 28/01/2021 11:45

@ssd I'm in england but had mine done Christmas Eve and results back first week in January (I'd been told it might be 6 weeks so to chase at the start of February)

MusicCrayon · 28/01/2021 11:50

I had one beginning of December and got te results two weeks later - I'm in Edinburgh.

Teacaketotty · 28/01/2021 11:51

I had one last week - also in Scotland. She said around 6 weeks for the results. They won’t give you one unless you are due or have symptoms though.

Original poster
ssd · 28/01/2021 12:19

I'm due one. But my health anxiety is awful and waiting for the results feels beyond me just now. I was wondering if paying for a private smear would mean getting the results quicker.

OP posts:
Lostinwinter · 28/01/2021 12:21

I am in England and got a letter inviting me to one last week.

Original poster
ssd · 28/01/2021 12:22

Also, I read if theres anything wrong and you need further tests it's all taking ages just now due to covid.

I'm over the top anxious just now, I couldn't wait .

OP posts:
Halfagonyhalfhope · 28/01/2021 12:26

ssd - I was called at Christmas (due summer 2020 but delayed due to Covid). They are doing smears in this lockdown and I'm based in Aberdeen. They do the test as normal but it is sent to Glasgow to be tested for HPV. If positive for HPV then the cells are checked (cytology). I was told there is a long wait due to this process - probably 6 weeks and I'd be informed by post. I'm not sure going privately would be quicker. Sorry I can't give better news.

DinnaeFashSassenach · 28/01/2021 12:28

In SW Scotland and had one done yesterday.

DinnaeFashSassenach · 28/01/2021 12:28

And they told me it's an 8 week wait at least for results.

Not great as this is my third callback.

Halfagonyhalfhope · 28/01/2021 12:29

Ah, I see Musiccrayon is in Edinburgh and got hers back sooner. If you're in Glasgow hopefully you'll be super quick. Worth getting it done ssd

chipsandpeas · 28/01/2021 12:29

i asked my doctors just before xmas and they said they are working thorugh the backlog due to 1st lockdown, and i would be sent a letter for ine in due course
im in lothian

DinnaeFashSassenach · 28/01/2021 12:30

And I mean Call back as in I've been having one done every 6 months for two years now. First had something show up (but they never said what?!?!) so I have to come back three times, once every 6 months before I get cleared.

naemates · 28/01/2021 12:34

I booked mine on Friday and got it done on Tuesday in Glasgow, was told 6-8 weeks for results, but will update if they come through earlier

BammBamm · 28/01/2021 13:33

I had mine last week and had my results today but I'm in NW England.

WaxOnFeckOff · 28/01/2021 13:47

Not the same I know, but I had my mammogram and they said they were running slow so not to expect any results for 4-6 weeks but it was just less than 2.

Is it the general anxiety ssd or do you have a particular reason to be worried? It might be worth trying to get an appointment with your GP aside from the smear?

Messinhead0942 · 28/01/2021 14:51

I had mine done last week in Scotland and was told 4 weeks for results.

Original poster
ssd · 28/01/2021 14:57

It's just health anxiety wax, I've had it since mum died. Its crazy but I worry so much over my health and something going wrong. And with covid theres now the scare if they find something wrong there will be a massive waiting list. I'm actually considering getting private healthcare just to reassure myself it's there if I need it. Even though I cant afford it. But this anxiety is awful.

OP posts:
WaxOnFeckOff · 28/01/2021 15:04

Are you having treatment for the anxiety? That might be a go to in the first place as it would lessen the other worries. If you have the funds, I think you can pay for a private medical mot type of thing which would give you a hopefully healthy starting point and that combined with something for the anxiety might be a better way forward?

It sounds a horrible way to be living ssd and is of course made worse by bereavement and the current media and political portrayal of covid. The vast majority of people who have covid recover perfectly well. I'm not minimising it or denying it, but it's important to remember that for most it's a relatively mild infection.

Whymustyoubringinthebirds · 28/01/2021 15:19

I got mine a few weeks ago, was told 6 weeks for results but it was about 1 and a half weeks later I got my results

WildOrchids67 · 28/01/2021 15:22

I'm in Tayside, had mine in November, 8 months overdue as I got the letter in March just before lockdown, then got another asking me to make an appointment as they'd started them up again. Got the results a couple of weeks ago, so around 6 weeks.

WaxOnFeckOff · 28/01/2021 15:30

Also meant to add that my DH has had some health issues lately and I cannot fault the speed and comprehensiveness of his investigations and care. It's a bit more awkward in terms of covid precautions and he's never met or spoken to the consultant in charge of his case but has had all the scans and procedures necessary to declare that there is nothing sinister.