Pap Test

For 48 hours before the test

• Don't douche.

• Don't use vaginal medicines, creams, or spermicides.

For 24 hours before the test

• Don't have sex.

How the test is done

1. You empty your bladder before the test.

2. You lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups (footrests). This is the usual position for a pelvic exam (an exam of the reproductive organs).

3. Your health care provider uses a speculum (a metal or plastic instrument) to gently open the vagina.

4. Cells are taken from the cervix with a small spatula or rubber broom. A small brush may then be used to remove cells from inside the cervical canal. You may feel pressure or slight discomfort.

Preserving the sample

There are two ways to preserve the sample after it is taken:

• Traditional preservation. With this method, the sample is smeared directly onto a glass microscope slide. The sample is then sent to a lab to be analyzed.

• Liquid-based preservation. The sample is placed in a special preservative solution. At the lab, cervical cells are separated from blood and mucous cells and spread onto a slide. Screening for human papillomavirus (HPV) can also be done using the same sample.

After the test

You’re free to go! There is a slight chance of light bleeding or spotting. Your health care provider will tell you when to expect your test results.

Getting your results

Ask your health care provider how you will receive your results. You should always obtain and understand results of any testing you have done. These may be obtained by phone, mail, or through online access if available:

• Normal result. The cells in the sample appear healthy. Have your next Pap test as recommended by your provider.

• Abnormal result. The lab saw something unusual in your sample. Talk with your provider about what the results mean. You may need to repeat the Pap test or have other tests to evaluate the problem.