1. Chat

DIY Smear Kits - the Start to Carrying out Nhs Services for Yourself?

In the News

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-47649690

It’s probably something people may prefer to do themselves at home, so this may work. But will this lead to the nhs rolling out other self-help, self-testing services at home?

hspexy
over a year ago
What do you think of this?+20 points
Advertisement
davidstockport

The NHS started home testing (for the over sixties) - for bowel cancer over ten years ago. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening/fob-test/

Like
Reply3
hspexy

Is it any good? I’m nowhere near that age group, so haven’t a clue

Like
Reply
davidstockport

hspexy Many people have had early diagnosis - and the earlier the diagnosis the better the prognosis. As said it has been over ten years since it started.

Like
Reply
hspexy

davidstockport yes we all know that, but have you had this experience?

Like
Reply
SuzJ

If it encourages women who wouldn't normally go into the surgery to get one done then it can only ever be a good thing.

Like
Reply3
SusanEaston327

i think its a great idea as some woman are embarressed and find it difficult to get one done

Like
Reply2
MumOfThree

I think women should be allowed paid time off work to get it done , and the prostate test for men. I think the home test could potentially have an incorrect result so better to have it done in doctors

Like
Reply2
hspexy

I agree. It’s defini something we should make time for, with support

Like
Reply
davidstockport

No doubt if there were any inconclusive findings because of home testing the woman would be requested to get checked "professionally" but any "all clears" might have avoided embarrassment or inconvenience that might have at first prevented a woman getting the test professionally done.

Even tests carried out professionally aren't completely reliable. (many women are recalled for further checks before they get the "all clear")

Like
Reply2
hspexy

davidstockport yes usually a handful of times, and perhaps one of the reasons why a lot of women don’t want to do it

Like
Reply
lauren958

I’m probably going to be the only one to disagree here. I think smear tests should only be done by a trained health professional as I believe that the likelyhood of human error is greater if A woman was to do it at home and this could very much be fatal. I agree that it’s a little nerve racking and a lot of women are embarrassed but I think women should encourage each other to go, we should be our own heroes in this case. Just my opinion, not saying I’m right 😜

Like
Reply5
hspexy

I agree with you. Having had it done previously by a nurse, it’s perhaps not a simple procedure, not for someone who hasn’t had experience anyway. But perhaps if the home kits gave people inconclusive results, it may just be that push a person needs to get it checked out the doctor? No saying that the nhs are going to bug up the tests or anything 😜

Like
Reply
davidstockport

If the home test is inconclusive then the woman would no doubt be asked to go for another test.

Like
Reply1
Amac43

lauren958 Completely agree. And dread to think if you didn't do the test right, and the result came back clear... You would be at fault 😔

Like
Reply
GlitchHunter

If a woman could do it on their own without help, it would've been done already. It is very hard to know how far your cervix is. How on earth would you be able to stick a swab all the way to the cervix and take a decent swab without being able to see the cervix or know what you''re swabbing? Nah. Leave it to the professionals please!

Like
Reply3
hspexy

Lol yes I don’t think it’s easy. But I’ve now come to the conclusion that these kits will be dispensed with the intention of providing women with inconclusive results, so it might scare them to get a check up in person

Like
Reply
davidstockport

hspexy I doubt it - many checks will have been done with the home test checks before they could be sanctioned. The statistics showing the number who don't take up the offer of professional smear tests are horrendous, and if just one life is saved that's some achievement - although hopefully the lives saved will run into thousands.

Like
Reply1
davidstockport

Did you not look at the device - it appears to be a speculum and swab/scraper combined.

Like
Reply
GlitchHunter

davidstockport Where is there a picture of the "device"? It's not on that link. Only a video of how a smear is done. That is the way a nurse would do it.

Like
Reply
davidstockport

GlitchHunter Sorry I hadn't played the video (they often freeze my computer) and thought the device shown in the still was what the article was about.

Like
Reply1
GlitchHunter

davidstockport Yeah, that's not the "device". I doubt there will be a speculum provided for this self test.

Like
Reply
Username55157

The position you have to get into having a smear at the doctors is bad enough, doing it yourself would require removing a rib. As much as it isn't the most pleasant experience I think I will risk that minute of embarrassment and let the professionals do it

Like
Reply2
Auntielettie

I think you would have to be a contortionist ( is that the right spelling) to do your own smear test. OR and its a big or, get your other half to do it. Well that's not conducive to romance is it? No put on your big girl pants and let an expert do it at the relevant clinic.

Like
Reply1
Username55157

I refuse to lose my single status just to get someone to do a smear lol

Like
Reply
hayley237

Best to have one done at doctors ,it's only a few minutes of discomfort and the nurse found a small polyp last time ,which was removed later at hospital painlessly.

Like
Reply1
AgnesFaludi

I think it is easier to do it for our self and it is more comfortable. Also it should be done more often like every year, because cancer can kill in less than a year. It should be painless, without blood loss. I have no good experiences with nurses doing this test.

Like
Reply1
hspexy

I know that the chances of someone doing it at home by themselves is higher than someone making a trip to the doctor. And if they’re truly worried about the results they get at home, that.l give them the push they need to see the professionals

Like
Reply
nipperjwb

I think this is a great idea and would encourage many women who would normally ignore the smear test invite letter to do the test and in all probability save lives.

Like
Reply1
hspexy

Very true. It’ll save time too, as it’s not as if you can get appointments straight away these days. People probably have to take time off work to do it

Like
Reply1
ACR

It will always be better to get tested by medical professionals. However, if it helps to encourage those that have previously avoided testing then that would be a positive change.

Like
Reply
One of the UK's largest deal hunting communities

Join for free to get genuine deals, money saving advice and help from our friendly community

Tom Church
Co-Founder &
Chief Bargain Hunter
Tom Church, Co-Founder
Want deals & discounts automatically?
+100 bonus points!
Latest Deals Browser Extension
Latest Deals Mobile App
  • Download our app
  • 1,000+ new deals every day
  • Earn free Amazon vouchers
  • Daily deal alerts - never miss the best offers!
  • Download the Latest Deals iOS AppDownload the Latest Deals Android App
Latest Deals
Disclaimer

The content on Latest Deals is a combination of information submitted by members of the public and the Latest Deals team. Whilst we make every effort to try and ensure genuine, accurate content we cannot guarantee it. Please always carry out your own due diligence and double check the details of an offer on the retailer's own website.

How this site works
  • To cover the site's running costs, Latest Deals uses affiliate links.
  • If you click on a link to an external website and make a purchase, Latest Deals may earn a commission.
  • We allow deals to be shared on Latest Deals irrelevant of whether or not they generate us money. Our #1 concern is helping you save money.
  • If you have any questions about how the site works, drop us a message. We're always happy to help.
Copyright © 2024 Latest Deals Limited
Registered in England and Wales. Company number 10286141. WeWork 6th Floor, International House, 1 St Katherine's Way, E1W 1UN
We value your privacy

We use cookies to help give you the best experience on our website with improved customisation, analytics & advertising (inc. personalisation). You can read our full cookie policy. Please either , or .