PAP Smear

PAP Smear

Pap smear also known as Pap test is a procedure that examines cells from cervix to detect cancerous cells or precancerous conditions.It also other conditions like infections or inflammation‎

It is a routine OPD procedure which hardly takes 5 minutes and done either by glass slide method or cervical brush method also known as LBC or liquid based cytology.Cells are collected from cervix and surrounding areas which are then examined under microscope.

PAP SMEAR when done by LBC can be used to detect HPV infection as well which is a precursor to CANCER

Ideally Pap smear should be done on yearly basis starting from age of 21 in sexually active women till age of 30 but it also depends on symptoms of patients,conditions of cervix and guidelines of the area.After 3consecutive negative smears it can be done at intervals of 2-3 yrs.

Precautions avoid intercourse for 2 days prior
To be done after clearing of menses
Avoid use of lubricants or vaginal creams 2 days prior
Cost of pap testing depends on location,facility as well as the method used and additional HPV testing.It starts from 500 rs to 2000rs
Positive pap doesn’t mean one has cancer.It may be positive due to infection or inflammation or abnormal precancerous cells.
Your gynaecologist will guide you accordingly about regular monitoring or treatment or fu testing.
PAP SMEAR is effective in reducing incidence of cervical cancer by 80% and mortality by 70%