PAP Smart Test

A Pap test is done to see for the presence of any abnormal cells in the cervix.These abnormal cells can sometimes turn into cervical cancer if they are not treated.

Who all should get tested?

Women above 21 years of age and who are sexually active should get the test done.

How is Pap smear test done?

• A speculum is introduced inside the vagina and a brush is used to gently collect cells from the cervix. These cells will be examined under a microscope in a lab to see if any of them are abnormal.
• If the test report is normal, you need to repeat the test after 3 years as part of screening of cervical cancer
• If the test report is suggestive of any infection, you need to take the medicine for 2 weeks as prescribed by the doctor and then repeat the test after 2 weeks.
• If the test report is suggestive of presence of any abnormal cells, you need to get a confirmatory test done i.e. Colposcopic guided biopsy as Pap smear is only a screening test

Importance of Pap smear test:

This test is of great importance as cervical cancer can be cured if it is diagnosed in early stages