The Medical Defence Union has urged GPs to make sure that all women who have a smear test receive a written report. It has reminded GPs that national guidelines issued by the Cancer Research Campaign say 'it is the responsibility of the smear taker' to ensure patients receive a record of their result. An MDU spokesperson said it was 'generally accepted that health authorities will notify the patient automatically'. But he said GPs unsure of their HA's procedures should check.