The Health Service Executive has confirmed that up to 6,000 women will likely be called for a repeat smear test following the identification of an issue with HPV tests.
The HSE said in November 2018 Quest Laboratories advised CervicalCheck of a “specific problem in relation to standard HPV tests that have been carried out outside of the manufacturer’s recommended timeframe since secondary HPV screening was introduced.”
It said that action was being taken to investigate the issue, review any clinical impact or risk, and communicate with women to inform them in the first place.
The HSE said it has established an expert clinical team which would establish the facts and that it would “shortly be in a position to communicate with the women affected.”
It added that the tests will be processed by the laboratory as a priority.
Source: RTE