Information regarding Smears (What they are, how to book and advice and guidance regarding them)
If you are a patient at Bell House and are registered female, you will receive an invitation letter asking you to book in a cervical screening test with the nurse. This starts when you are 25 and is up until 64. You will have a test every 5 years if everything is normal on your test. If anything gets detected, you will be asked to come back and retest in a years time. If you are a trans male or NB, you should also have a screening. You should tell us if you want to be tested so this can be arranged for you.
Once you receive your letter, please contact reception so they can get you booked in for the next available nurse appointment. If you do not wish to do your cervical screening test, please sign and return the letter enclosed in your envelope and your record will be marked accordingly.
If you are going for your first ever smear test and feel nervous in an way, do not worry as this is completely normal. Below are some tips for your first smear test
– Book your smear test for when you are not on your period as it can interfere with the sample.
– You can take ibuprofen or paracetamol 1 hour before your appointment if you are nervous about any discomfort or cramping you may feel.
– Tell the nurse you are seeing if you are nervous or inform the receptionist booking your appointment it’ll be your first ever smear as they can make the nurse aware and make you feel at ease during your appointment.
– You may find you have light bleeding after your test. This is completely normal
– Your results may take around 2 weeks to come back depending on the lab’s turnaround. To find out your result, please contact reception over the phone or it can be found via the NHS App. If you wish to set up the NHS app, please see the named tab on the top of this website for help and guidance.