How is a Pap Smear Test Done?

Pap Smear Test Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pap Smearing is a cervical screening test. This test is crucial for monitoring a woman’s cervical health. This test is proficient in detecting early stages of cervical cancer before it reaches a life-threatening stage. Women aged 18 and above must undergo this test, especially those who are sexually active.

What is a Pap Smear Test? 

This is a screening test to identify abnormal cells that could, if left untreated, become cervical cancer over many years. An abnormal result requires further diagnostic testing, such as a colposcopy, to confirm any findings. 

Why may I need a Pap Test?

The Pap test helps in the identification of cancerous cells and other cervical and vaginal issues, such as precancerous cells and inflammation. Your healthcare provider or doctor might make use of a Pap test to find out the following conditions:

• Inflammation
• Precancerous cells
• Infection
• Abnormal cells
• Cancer

Your doctor or healthcare provider might perform a test for the HPV (Human papillomavirus) at the same time as a Pap test. Infection with HPV is an important risk factor for cervical cancer in people above 30. Your healthcare provider or doctor might also consider other reasons to recommend a Pap test.

Preparatory Phase of Pap Smear Test

There are certain things that you have to keep in mind before booking a Pap smear appointment:

•  Track your menstrual cycle before an appointment. Experts recommend not undergoing this procedure during menstruation as it might not be a seamless experience.
• Avoid having sexual intercourse right before having a Pap smear test. Smear test results might get impacted either due to cervical secretions due to sexual intercourse or traces of semen in the vagina.
•  It’s a good idea to use the rest room before your smear test so you can stay as comfortable as possible.
•  It is essential to be in comfortable clothing during the test. Prefer wearing loosely fitted clothes that allow movement and breathability.
• Refrain from wearing sanitary pads or panty liners for at least 24 hours before the test because they affect the Pap smear test outcomes.

Process of a Pap Smear Test

Either a Gynaecologist or an obstetrician will perform a smear test during a routine examination. The test takes a couple of minutes, and you can return to your routine after taking the test.

The medical expert will begin by viewing your cervix with an instrument called a speculum. this device gently opens the vaginal walls to view the cervix, allowing the expert to procure cell samples for examination. After inserting the speculum, the expert proceeds to take a swab with the help of a spatula from the cervix. Then, it is sent to a laboratory for obtaining results.

Result of Pap Smear Procedure

Upon receiving your smear test report, the results will be in any of three forms: “normal”, “abnormal” or “suspicious”. Here is an elaborate explanation of what each of these results means:

•  “Normal” Test Result: It indicates there are no abnormal cells or the presence of HPV in the cervix of the woman.
• “Abnormal” Test Result: This means that the cells under evaluation do not resemble normal cells. If you receive this result, experts will suggest taking up a follow-up test to understand the reason behind the cells not appearing as normal.
•  “Suspicious” Test Result: This indicates unusual changes in cells that point towards potential signs of inflammation, infection or even precancerous changes. However, this test is not conclusive when detecting cervical cancer.
   

Under both "abnormal" and "suspicious" test results, medical experts recommend that patients undergo additional testing. Most of the time, they ask patients to take HPV DNA testing.

Understanding the Pap smear test will help you prepare for the procedure. Remember, the Pap smear procedure is a screening test with a sensitivity level of 66% when performed alone; increases to >90% with HPV co-testing.

What happens after a Pap test?

You might rest for some minutes after the procedure before going home. Scraping the cervix might result in some amount of bleeding. You need to wear a sanitary pad for any spotting that might happen. Tell your healthcare provider or doctor if you have any of the following symptoms :

• Bleeding
• Foul-smelling drainage from your vagina
• Fever or Chills
• Severe Abdominal Pain

Pap test results usually take some days. Ask your healthcare provider how to hear back about the results. Your healthcare provider might provide you with instructions after the procedure, depending on your situation.

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