Laboratory test

Pap Smear Test (Cervical Cytology)

Check the sample, preparation and current booking price for this laboratory test.

Also known as

Pap Smear Test · Pap Test · Cervical Smear · Cervical Cancer Screening · Gynaec Cytology

Sample: Confirm with the laboratory
Fasting: Not required
Expected report time: 3–5 days
Parameters: 1

Pap Smear Test: quick answers

Pap Smear Test price: ₹1,039, home sample collection
Done for: Routine cervical cancer screening; Follow-up of a previous abnormal Pap or positive HPV test; Abnormal discharge or bleeding after intercourse, alongside an examination
Fasting: Not required
Report: 3–5 days

What is the Pap Smear Test?

A Pap smear collects a few cells from the cervix (the neck of the womb) with a small brush or spatula during a short speculum examination. The cells are examined under a microscope for changes that could develop into cervical cancer, so they can be treated early.

What your Pap Smear Test result means

NILM (negative): Negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy: no abnormal cells. Continue routine screening.
ASC-US or LSIL: Mild or uncertain changes, usually caused by HPV, which often clear by themselves. Doctors may repeat the test, test for HPV or arrange colposcopy.
ASC-H, HSIL or AGC: More significant changes that need colposcopy and possibly a biopsy. Treated early, they rarely progress to cancer.
Unsatisfactory: Too few cells or a sample hidden by blood or inflammation. The test is repeated.

One result is not a diagnosis. A doctor reads it with your symptoms, history, medicines and other tests.

Why is the Pap Smear Test done?

Routine cervical cancer screening
Follow-up of a previous abnormal Pap or positive HPV test
Abnormal discharge or bleeding after intercourse, alongside an examination
Monitoring after treatment of cervical changes

What does the Pap Smear Test (Cervical Cytology) measure?

1 parameter. Expand a group to see the measurements, units and available method details.

Other measurements1 parameter

Parameter
Pap Smear (Gynaec Cytology)

The reference interval printed on your actual laboratory report governs interpretation. Intervals can vary by laboratory, method, age, sex and pregnancy. Methods can also vary by processing laboratory.

Pap Smear Test: sample & preparation

Sample: Confirm with the laboratory. Fasting: Not required.

You do not need to fast. Avoid vaginal douching, intercourse or vaginal medicines for 48 hours before the sample is taken, and try not to schedule it during your menstrual period.

Frequently asked questions

How should I prepare for a Pap smear?

Book it when you are not having your period. For 48 hours before, avoid intercourse, douching, vaginal creams, pessaries and tampons, as they can wash away or hide cells.

How often should a Pap smear be done?

When cytology is the screening test, it is usually repeated every 3 years if results are normal. WHO's 2021 guidance prefers HPV testing from age 30 (25 for women living with HIV), repeated every 5 to 10 years. Your gynaecologist sets the schedule for you.

Is a Pap smear painful?

Most women feel mild pressure or brief discomfort when the speculum is inserted and the cells are taken. It takes only a few minutes.

What is the difference between a Pap smear and an HPV test?

A Pap smear looks for abnormal cervical cells. An HPV test looks for the high-risk virus that causes most of those changes. The two can be done from the same sample.

How much does the Pap Smear (Gynaec Cytology) cost?

The current online price is ₹1,039, with MRP ₹3,019. Review your booking total before payment.

Can I book this test for home collection?

Yes. Add your collection address and choose an available collection slot at checkout.

When is the report expected?

The catalogue lists 3–5 days. Confirm the collection and report schedule with the booking team.

Can I book this with other tests?

You can add available tests to the same cart. Review the combined preparation instructions and collection requirements with the booking team.

Sources: Nayar R, Wilbur DC (eds). The Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology, 3rd edition. Springer 2015; World Health Organization. WHO guideline for screening and treatment of cervical pre-cancer lesions for cervical cancer prevention, 2nd edition. 2021. General information, not medical advice.

This page gives catalogue facts only (sample, preparation, report time) and has not been reviewed by a doctor. It is general information, not a diagnosis or advice for you: your doctor decides which tests you need and what the results mean.

Book the Pap Smear Test (Cervical Cytology)

1 parameter · No fasting required · Report time: 3–5 days

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