The PAP (Papanicolaou) Test, commonly known as a Smear Test, is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus transmitted through sexual contact. High Risk subtypes of HPV (HR-HPV) are linked to the development of abnormal cells and can cause cervical cancer.
HPV is a necessary cause of invasive cervical cancer, and evidence shows HPV testing is a more effective way to identify women at risk of cervical cancer than by testing microscopically for abnormal cells from a PAP Test.
Understanding the significance of HPV Testing
The benefit of a negative HPV result is its negative predictive value – meaning that a negative HPV result indicates that a patient is at very low risk of developing cervical disease.
Therefore we offer HPV testing as the FIRST LINE TEST. It has higher sensitivity for high grade CIN than primary cytology. HR-HPV testing also has a lower false negative rate than cytology. It is carried out as a single test, with a single result reported as DETECTED/NOT DETECTED.
What happens if HPV is DETECTED?
If HPV is DETECTED, the laboratory will use the same sample to then test for PAP. You will not be charged for the PAP Test, and will receive your results as a combined report.
Requesting Cervical Cytology PAP Test only
You can directly request a PAP Test but this will not be processed without HPV. PAP and HPV will both be charged.
Our Protocol
- If HR-HPV is NEGATIVE (NOT DETECTED) – this means no further testing is needed: return to Routine Recall
- If HR-HPV is POSITIVE (DETECTED) – this means that CYTOLOGY will be processed from the same sample. A further specimen is not required.
- If the CYTOLOGY result from this sample is HR-HPV NOT DETECTED – the Recall will be determined by the screening history and will either be a repeat HR-HPV test in 12 months’ time or, if HR-HPV remains persistent, a referral to colposcopy.
- If the CYTOLOGY result from this sample is ABNORMAL: referred for COLPOSCOPY.
Don’t Fear The Smear!
Is cervical screening painful?
While some might find it a little awkward or uncomfortable, most don’t experience pain during a smear test. The procedure could be painful if your anxiety is causing you to tense your pelvic muscles. If the test itself causes some pain, it would be similar to menstrual cramps, which would last up to 30 seconds. The benefits of having a smear test outweigh the short few seconds of discomfort. A speculum is the clear plastic instrument which is inserted into the vagina to hold it open. This comes in all sizes, and a small one can be used to ensure you do not feel any pain, or less of it. If you are worried and think it would help, you may use painkillers if necessary, but these are not generally required.
Which age group do we test
On the NHS, smear tests are offered to women aged 25 and above. A very small number of women under 25 are diagnosed with cervical cancer. If you are worried or concerned, we offer the test to women aged 18 and over.
Preparing for your check
Ideally, you would arrange it for somewhere in the middle of your menstrual cycle (usually 14 days from the start of your last period) for the best sample of cells. Having the test while you are bleeding can affect the test. Do not use lubricants in the 24 hours before the test, and avoid sexual intercourse. If you have used any vaginal pessaries, delay the test for at least a week.
Feeling embarrassed, shy or anxious
Your healthcare professional will ensure you have privacy whilst preparing yourself for your test. We have female sample takers at the clinic. Our sample takers are fully qualified with experience of working within the NHS, having performed thousands of tests.
You may have had a past experience that is affecting you; we understand this and are here to help you feel at ease and make your experience as comfortable and painless as possible. You can ask for more time and we will book you a double appointment if you need it.
You will be offered a formal chaperone. You can also bring a friend or a member of your family to your appointment for support. We will try to assist in any way to help you feel less embarrassed, shy or anxious about having the test.
If you need any special arrangements please let us know.
Late evening and weekends
We offer flexible appointments and are open till 7pm on weekdays.
Results
Results will be available within 48-72 hours of your test.
For charges, please see our Pricing page