Repeat smear test - worried

[GrasshopperMind]

I had my first smear test a few months ago which was inconclusive which makes me think it’s bad news, and I’m positive for HPV which was a shock and makes me think I’m a high risk. Due another smear in a few weeks, which I haven’t booked yet but already I’m terrified of the results. The nurse had to try 3 times to do the smear and it was very uncomfortable. Cervix is high up apparently.
Im just terrified that it comes back with abnormal cells. I’m a very anxious anyway when it comes to health stuff and can’t help thinking the worst.

Inconclusive just means they didn't get enough of a sample to test properly. Or that there was a little blood or something in it.

I had an inconclusive one once that was redone, and always been clear.

I think this means you've had what's called an inadequate result? Basically the test wasn't conclusive so they want to repeat it. There is a page on the Cancer Research website that gives some reasons for an inadequate result:

This could be because the sample:

• was taken but the cervix was not fully seen or visible
• was taken incorrectly, for example, using a sampling device not approved by the NHS Cervical Screening Programme
• did not contain enough cells
• contained lubricant, inflammation, or blood
• was incorrectly labelled

Link is here

It sounds as if you could do with a different sample taker, is there more than one nurse at the practice?

Either way, there's no reason to be worried yet, although of course I can fully understand why you are worrying. We all just want those results to come back clear and nothing more to think about til next time. Fingers crossed your repeat smear is less uncomfortable and you get a clear result quickly.

I've been freaked out by that before and turned out Lab just lost the sample or dropped the bottle or whatever. Honestly don't worry.

On the flip side, if it is serious (and I've had that too) they send you a hospital app for another smear and colposcopy. You've not received that so you're ok

Hugs

Thank you. I totally freaked out when I got the letter saying HPV positive. Think I cried all day! I had the jabs at school and thought no more about it. I guess I didn’t read the leaflet properly before I had the smear. Wouldn’t have been so bad if the sample wasn’t inconclusive because I would know what I’m dealing with.

The nurse who did it has been there a long time and was lovely but maybe I can ask for another one.
Im trying not to Google anything as well coz it just makes me worse.
But thanks anyway for all your comments.

The HPV vaccine protects against the high risk strains (the ones that can cause problems). I think that the labs just test for the presence of any HPV, so quite a lot of vaccinated women can expect to get a positive result, as HPV is a common infection.

The lab will then have put the sample under a microscope and at that stage decided the sample wasn't good enough - not enough cells or compromised in some way.

So nothing to worry about yet, and definitely don't google.

Thank you. That’s a little bit of a relief that the vaccine protects against the high risk strains.
Definitely not going to Google and can’t even click any of the links as too much for me. I’m such a wimp.

Hi grasshopper
sorry to hear you’re worried about your results

I just wanted to add that the vaccine protects against ~some~ high risk strains
the original vaccine protected against the 16/18 strains. These two cause the majority of abnormal cells and HPV related cancers
the second type of vaccine protected you against those two and two types that cause warts
the most recent type protects against those above mentioned and 5 more high risk strains

so its is possible you received the vaccine at school that protects against the most aggressive HPV strains but still means you can get other high risk types but these are less likely to cause issues. Just wanted to make sure you had all the information

best x

Thank you.

Hello. Just to update, had my smear test and came back no abnormal cells detected so such a relief. I have to have annual smear tests now because I’ve got HPV but that’s fine.

Great news @GrasshopperMind - what a huge relief.

Thank you x