THE smear tests of another 2,168 women in south Essex will need to be re-examined, it has been revealed.

Dozens of women who were wrongly given the all clear following tests have now been informed they may be at risk of cancer, after mistakes at a laboratory.

An investigation, launched into Basildon based Pathology First, revealed 31 women whose results were abnormal were wrongly categorised as clear.

Another 95 “clear” results have been changed to “inconclusive”.

Pam Hall, chairman of the incident panel, said: “We have now contacted all women whose test results may have changed and are contacting those who need to be re-screened offering appropriate follow up, advice and information.

“We are closely monitoring Pathology First to ensure the necessary improvements are made to provide a high-quality service, now and in the future for the women in south Essex.”

The investigation was launched last year and NHS England initially ordered 2,500 samples, out of 4,668, to be retested.

Following the latest results the remaining 2,168 tests from women aged 25 to 29 will also be re-examined after errors were discovered.

The public health England screening quality assurance service made the decision because younger women are at higher risk of having a cervical abnormality.

Despite previously suggesting if errors were found then all 55,000 samples over two years would all need to be re-examined by an independent body NHS managers are now looking to limit the further checks to the 2,168.

The outcome of the re-examination of the 2,168 samples will be reviewed and a clinical recommendation will be received from Public Health England.

At this point a decision will be made on the remaining 50,000 samples.

Hospitals in south Essex have repeatedly refused to comment on the investigation.

Pathology First was launched as a joint venture by Southend, Basildon and Thurrock Hospitals and private company Integrated Pathology Partnerships in 2014.

Critics raised concerns about sub-contracting such important tests to a private firm.

It is claimed since the issues were first identified in the laboratory changes have been made.

These include improving processes and staff training.

But a high turnover of staff at the lab has also raised concerns about standards.

And staff shortages across the sector has not helped the lab.

Confidence in the lab was further dented when it emerged earlier this year the laboratory carrying out the tests at the £10million lab in Bentalls, Basildon, was still awaiting confirmation of accreditation by a national standards body at the time the errors were being made.

The cervical cancer test errors are being managed by an incident panel. NHS England has convened a multi-agency programme board to oversee the implementation of a wider improvement plan.

This is supposed to ensure a safe and effective service is provided to the women of south Essex, and one they can trust, in the future.