Smear tests recalled amid fears they were flawed

NHS County Durham has recalled smear tests of 1000 women since 1988 after information suggested the tests were flawed

Around 1000 women have been called back for repeat smear tests after information arose suggesting that tests conducted over the past 24 years were ‘botched’.

Health professionals have traced women back to 1988 amid fears that the tests were flawed.

NHS County Durham stated the recalls were ‘precautionary’ and it was very unlikely that cases of cancer had been missed.

Anna Lynch, director of public health for NHS county Durham stated: ‘We identified that some cervical smear tests taken at Bewick Crescent surgery may not have reached a satisfactory standard.

‘As a precaution we have written to approximately 1,000 women inviting them to attend a repeat test to confirm the results of their original test.’

Repeat test results will be available to the women within two weeks.

Lynch added ‘The risk that any cervical abnormalities have not been picked up is very low, but as a precaution we have invited the women involved to attend for a repeat test and have set up extra appointments so they can be seen quickly.

‘I would like to apologise to those women involved for any inconvenience or concern that this recall has raised, but would like to reassure them that this decision was taken in their best interests, is purely a precautionary measure and the risk to those women is very low.’

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