The Health Service Executive (HSE) has revealed that more than 2,300 women are still waiting on repeat smear test results.

It follows an issue with a number of HPV tests that were carried out "beyond the recommended timeframe" by US-based laboratory, Quest Diagnostics.

The lab is blaming a technology system, which it says took longer than expected to set up.

Cervical Check wrote to some 4,459 women at the end of January, inviting them to have a repeat smear test.

The HSE has said Cervical Check's clinical team was, and is, assured that these HPV tests are likely to remain effective outside the manufacturer's recommended timeframe, "and that the risk of incorrect results is low".

But it added that it invited these women to attend for a repeat smear test "in order to provide complete reassurance".

Since February 8th, 2,572 repeat smear test samples have been received by Quest Diagnostics.

But just over 200 results have been reported in the last week.

The HSE said it is "aware that the establishment of the ICT system for dealing with these tests took longer than anticipated".

But noted that "Quest are confident that remaining results will be reported to women within the next two weeks."