Appointment Helpline
Overview
A Pap Smear or Pap Test is a vaginal exam that screens for cervical cancer. This is done by taking a swab to collect cervical cells to be examined for abnormal growth and other indications of precancerous /cancerous cells. It’s a simple procedure that takes approximately 5 minutes.
Pre Procedure
You must abstain from sex, avoid, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a Pap Smear, as these may wash away or obscure abnormal cells.
Try not to schedule a Pap Smear during your menstrual period. It's best to avoid this time of your cycle, if possible.
During the Procedure
The procedure just takes 5 minutes and is absolutely painless.
You will be given a gown to change into.
You will be required to lie down on your back on an exam table with your knees bent.
Doctor will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina.
The speculum holds the walls of your vagina apart so that your doctor can easily see your cervix. Inserting the speculum may cause a sensation of pressure in your pelvic area.
Then your doctor will take samples of your cervical cells using a soft brush and a flat scraping device called a spatula.
Your doctor transfers the cell sample collected from your cervix into a container or onto a glass slide.
Post Procedure
You can resume normal activities, post-Pap Smear.
Reports will be available after 3 days. You will need to meet your Gynaecologist for reviewing the Pap Smear report.
