What is a smear test?
It is the sampling of mucous from the neck of the womb – the cervix. It is not a “cancer” test. The test tries to pick up early changes in the cervix, which, if left could in later years become cancer. All our smears are sent to Addenbrookes Hospital Laboratory. The tests are carried out by our specially trained practice nurses.
When should I have one?
We operate a call and recall system. All our patients with a cervix between the age of 25 – 64 will be sent regular follow-up appointments to attend for this procedure.
What do the results mean to me?
Negative
This result means that no abnormal cells have been seen. Your next smear will be in 3 years. If you have any abnormal bleeding, either mid-cycle or after intercourse, PLEASE DON’T WAIT for your next smear – report this to your Doctor immediately.
Inadequate/Unsatisfactory
This result means that either too little or too much mucous was on the slide. The Laboratory could give no result. A repeat smear is advised.
Abnormal
This result means that there are changes in your cervix that might indicate a problem. The usual advice from the Laboratory is that the smear should be repeated in 3 or 6 months.
If another abnormal result is reported, the Laboratory recommends that a hospital appointment be made at the Colposcopy clinic. The neck of the womb is then examined with a powerful microscope and the abnormal area of the cervix is removed. This treatment is almost 100% effective.
Patients are then advised by the laboratory to have more frequent smears for up to 5 years after any removal procedure.
