Can smears be wrong?

These changes can then be treated successfully before cancer develops. Smear tests are simply screening tools, which signal that more careful attention should be directed at the cervix. In fact sometimes smears can be reported as abnormal even though no abnormality exists on further examination.

What causes inadequate smear tests?

In England in 2012-13, 2.3 per cent of tests were inadequate and had to be taken again (Cervical Screening Programme, England – 2012-13: Report) most of these are due to; not enough cervical cells being taken to give an accurate assessment, or there may have been an infection (such as thrush) or mucous or blood which ...