Pap Smear
Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. It tests for the presence of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells on your cervix.
All women, especially those who are married or have been sexually active, are advised to get regular pap smears, at least once every 3 years starting at the age of 21, following 2 consecutive years of normal pap smears 1 year apart.
Some women may be at increased risk for cancer or infection and need more frequent tests, e.g. if they are:
- HIV-positive
- having a weakened immune system from chemotherapy or organ transplant
Based on the latest guidelines, You DO NOT need a PAP smear IF you are:
- Aged 65 years and above who have had 3 previous normal Pap smears in the last 10 years, OR
- Aged 65 years and above who have had 2 previous normal HPV DNA tests in the last 10 years, OR
- Aged 65 years and above who have had 2 previous normal co-tested Pap smears and HPV DNA tests in a row in the last 10 years.
How is it done?
During the procedure, you’ll lie on your back on an examination table with your legs spread.
Your doctor will insert a device called a speculum into your vagina to keep the vaginal walls open and provides access to the cervix.
Your doctor will scrape a small sample of cells from your cervix. There are a few ways your doctor can take this sample:
- Spatula only.
- Spatula and a brush.
- Cytobrush, which is a combination spatula and brush.
Most women feel a slight push and irritation during the brief scraping.
The sample of cells from your cervix will be preserved and sent to a lab to be tested for the presence of abnormal cells.
After the test, you might feel mild discomfort from the scraping or a bit of cramping. You could also experience very light vaginal bleeding immediately following the test. Tell your doctor if discomfort or bleeding continues after the day of the test.