Eligibility
- Singaporean or Permanent Resident
- Women aged 30 and above
- Have engaged in sexual intercourse or are sexually active
- Not pregnant
Frequency
An initial test should be performed once a woman is sexually active. Subsequent HPV test should be done at least once every 5 years thereafter.
Preparation
When To Make An Appointment
If you are still menstruating, schedule your HPV test appointment 2 weeks after the start of your menstrual period, up to about a week before your next menstrual period is due. This is the ideal time to have a HPV test when the clearest, cleanest sample of cervical cells can be obtained.
If you have reached menopause, you may schedule a HPV test at any time of the month.
Things To Avoid
48 hours before your HPV test, please avoid
- douching
- swimming
- taking a tub bath
- sexual intercourse
- vaginal lubricants
- spermicides
- vaginal creams
- vaginal medications
- tampons
These activities or products can irritate the cervix. Avoiding these activities will help ensure adequate cell sample collection. Other factors that may affect HPV test results include infection and the intake of medication such as digitalis and tetracycline.
What To Wear For Your Appointment
For your HPV Test appointment, please wear a two-piece outfit.
It may also be a good idea to bring along a panty liner or thin sanitary pad as light bleeding or spotting may occur after the procedure.
Where to Get Screened
HPV test will be provided at no cost at SCS Clinic @ Bishan by late Q3 2019.
Address:
9 Bishan Place
Junction 8 Office Tower #06-05
Singapore 579837
Tel: 1800-727-3333
Make an Appointment
To make an appointment for a HPV test, please complete and submit the following form to us and we will be in touch with you within 5 working days.
* compulsory fields
In line with the PDPA’s Guidelines and under the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics (PHMC) Regulations, we are required to maintain accurate, complete and up-to-date medical records with personal particulars, which includes full NRIC numbers. As such, we will be collecting your full NRIC number for your participation in our screening services.
Procedure
The sampling procedure for a HPV test is carried out in the same way as a Pap test.
- During the procedure, the woman being examined lies on her back with her knees drawn up and apart.
- An instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina (birth canal) to expose the cervix, which is the lower end or neck of the uterus that extends into and can be seen via the vagina.
- The healthcare professional (doctor or nurse) then uses a small disposable brush or spatula to collect a sample of cells from the outer opening of the cervix. The sample is then put into a small container and sent to the lab for analysis.
It is important to remain calm and relaxed during the test. Some women may experience mild discomfort or dull pressure during the HPV test. However, these procedures should not be painful. Please inform the healthcare professional immediately should you experience any pain.
Results
You will receive your HPV test results 4 to 6 weeks after the test is done. Your HPV test result will indicate whether thetest is positive or negative.
- A negative HPV test means you do not have an HPV type that is linked to cervical cancer.
- A positive HPV test means you have an HPV type that may be linked to cervical cancer. This does not mean you have cervical cancer now. However, it is a sign that cervical cancer could develop later. You will probably be advised to go for follow-up or more tests to monitor and/or diagnose your condition.
Follow-Up Actions
If the results are negative, the laboratory report will be posted to you with an accompanying letter from SCS advising you on the date of your next HPV test.
If the results are positive, a staff from the clinic will call you to make a subsequent appointment to either repeat the HPV test / Pap test or to follow-up with a doctor for further tests.
Resource
Download the cervical cancer brochure to learn more about cervical cancer screening.
