§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many laboratories report a smear test as cytology negative when no endocervical cells have been seen on the slide;
(2) what guidance has been issued on action to be taken when a cervical smear test is found to have no endocervical cells.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe absence of columnar glandular endocervical cells does not in itself constitute an indication for a repeat smear if the smear is assessed in the laboratory as satisfactory according to recommended criteria. Where a patient's smear is shown by the laboratory to be unsatisfactory, she is invited to have a smear as soon as possible.