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