Procedure

The Pap test is a simple procedure that takes only a few minutes. It can be done in a clinic by a doctor or a nurse.

1. During the procedure, the woman being examined lies on her back with her knees drawn up and apart.
2. 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.
3. 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 smeared onto a glass slide or put into a container and sent for analysis.
4. After removing the speculum, the healthcare professional performs a pelvic examination by gently inserting two gloved fingers into the woman’s vagina while placing his or her other hand on the woman’s abdomen to check on the size, shape and consistency of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

It is important to remain calm and relaxed during the test. Some women may experience mild discomfort or dull pressure during the Pap test or pelvic examination. However, these procedures should not be painful. Please inform the healthcare professional immediately should you experience any pain.

Results

You will receive your Pap test results 4 to 6 weeks after the test is done. Your Pap test result will indicate whether the smear is normal or abnormal.

Like all screening tests, the Pap test is not perfect. Because the Pap test takes a very small sample of cells present in the cervical area, early cell changes will not be detected if the smear does not contain enough abnormal cells. It is possible that the Pap test can result in “false positives” and “false negatives”. A false positive incorrectly indicates that there may be cancer when cancer is not present. A false negative incorrectly indicates that all may be normal when a cancer or pre-cancer abnormality is actually present.

Follow-Up Actions

If the results are normal or negative, the laboratory report will be posted to you with an accompanying letter from SCS advising you on the date of your next Pap test.

if the results are abnormal or positive, a nurse from the clinic will call you to make a subsequent appointment to either repeat your Pap test or to follow-up with a doctor for further tests.

Frequency

An initial test should be performed once a woman is sexually active. Subsequent Pap test screening should be done at least once every 3 years thereafter.

Preparation

When To Make An Appointment

If you are still menstruating, schedule your Pap 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 Pap test when the clearest, cleanest sample of cervical cells can be obtained.

If you have reached menopause, you may schedule a Pap test at any time of the month.

Things To Avoid

48 hours before your Pap test, please avoid

• douching
• swimming
• taking a tub bath
• sexual intercourse
• 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 Pap test results include infection and the intake of medication such as digitalis and tetracycline.

What To Wear For Your Appointment

For your Pap 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 a Pap test.

Resource

Download the cervical cancer brochure to learn more about cervical cancer screening.