Overview 

A pap smear is a standard screening procedure which involves brushing away cells from the cervix. These extracted cells are examined beneath the microscope to check for abnormal changes that could indicate cervical cancer. A pap smear reveals alterations in the cervical cells due to infection and inflammation. 

A pap smear should be conducted as early as 21 and repeated every three years. However, the frequency of pap smears varies, depending on certain risk factors such as a compromised immune system, an HIV infection and smoking. For example, women who have a weakened immune system or those who smoke should undergo pap smears more frequently. 

Procedure

A pap smear is done in Dr Kalwiba’s rooms and only lasts a few minutes. First, you will be asked to lie flat on the examination table with your knees bent. Afterwards, once you are comfortable, Dr Kalwiba will insert a speculum gently into the vagina. The speculum helps separate the vaginal walls so your OB-GYN can see the cervix. You may feel slight pressure as Dr Kalwiba inserts the speculum through the vagina. Then, Dr Kalwiba uses a device called a spatula and soft brush to remove the cervical cells. 

Results

After the Pap smear, you can return to your daily routine. Depending on the type of Pap smear undergone, Dr Kalwiba moves the cervical cells extracted into a container filled with liquid to preserve the cells, or he can transfer the sample onto a glass slide. Finally, the samples are transferred to the laboratory, where they will be analysed under a microscope.

Primarily, the cervical cells are analysed to check for changes that could signify cancer or a precancerous condition. If the cells appear normal, your test result would be considered “negative”. However, the test can pick up abnormal cells, which are not necessarily a sign of cervical cancer. A positive result means your OB-GYN may conduct additional investigative procedures, such as a colposcopy or tissue biopsy, to determine the reason for these results. 

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