Quick answer
The Pap Smear Test costs ₹1,000 at Live Line Health Care. A cervical screening test in which a clinician collects cells from the cervix to look. No fasting is needed. It uses a swab sample and the report is usually ready within 3 to 5 days.
Also known as: Pap Test, Papanicolaou Test, Cervical Smear, Cervical Cytology, Pap Smear Cytology, Cervical Cancer Screening Test, PAP
What is the Pap Smear Test?
A Pap smear looks at cells taken from the cervix, the narrow lower end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer develops slowly, usually over many years, and almost always starts with cell changes caused by long-lasting infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). A Pap smear can find those changes while they are still harmless and easily treated, which is why regular cervical screening prevents many cancers rather than only finding them.
This sample must be collected by a trained clinician, so the test is done only at our centre and cannot be booked as a home collection. You lie on an examination couch, a speculum is gently inserted to see the cervix, and a small brush or spatula collects cells in a few seconds. It can feel uncomfortable but is usually quick, and you can ask to pause at any point. Women aged 25 to 65, or from 21 depending on the guideline your doctor follows, are usually advised to be screened every 3 years.
What it measures: The appearance of cervical cells under the microscope, reported using the Bethesda system. The report states whether the sample was adequate, whether any abnormal cells were seen and how they are graded.
Parameters included (4)
- Specimen adequacy
- Cervical cytology result (Bethesda system)
- Organisms or infection, if seen
- Reactive or inflammatory changes, if seen
Why is this test done?
- Regular cervical cancer screening for women aged about 25 to 65
- Follow-up after an earlier abnormal Pap smear or treatment of the cervix
- Screening before or after starting a family, as part of routine gynaecological care
- Women with HIV or other conditions that weaken immunity, who need more frequent screening
- Investigating abnormal discharge or bleeding, alongside a clinical examination
When should you get tested?
- You are 25 or older and have never had cervical screening, or your last one was over 3 years ago
- Bleeding after intercourse or between periods
- Bleeding after menopause
- Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Your doctor has asked for a repeat smear after an earlier abnormal result
How to prepare for the Pap Smear Test
- 1Book a day when you are not on your period, ideally around the middle of your cycle.
- 2For 48 hours before, avoid intercourse, vaginal douching, tampons and vaginal creams, gels or pessaries, as they can wash away or hide cells.
- 3Tell the staff if you are pregnant, have recently given birth, or have had a hysterectomy or treatment to the cervix.
- 4Wear clothes that are easy to change out of, and empty your bladder before the examination.
Pap Smear Test normal range
| Parameter | Typical reference range |
|---|---|
| Normal result | Negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) |
| Borderline changes | ASC-US (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance) |
| Low-grade changes | LSIL (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) |
| High-grade changes | HSIL, ASC-H or atypical glandular cells (AGC); need prompt follow-up |
A Pap smear is reported in words rather than numbers. An "unsatisfactory" sample simply means the smear needs to be repeated. Ranges are typical adult values and vary between labs, age and sex. Always use the range printed on your report and discuss results with your doctor.
Understanding your results
- NILM means no abnormal cells were seen. You can usually return to routine screening, typically in 3 years, unless your doctor advises sooner.
- ASC-US and LSIL are mild changes, often caused by HPV, that frequently clear on their own within one to two years. Your doctor may repeat the smear, test for HPV or arrange a colposcopy.
- HSIL, ASC-H and AGC need a colposcopy, a closer examination of the cervix with a magnifying instrument, and sometimes a small biopsy. These changes are usually treatable before they ever become cancer.
- Inflammation or infection noted on the report is common and is usually treated simply. An abnormal Pap smear is not a cancer diagnosis.
Pap Smear Test – FAQs
What is the price of the Pap Smear Test?
The Pap Smear Test costs ₹1,000 at Live Line Health Care, at all 45 centres.
Does a Pap smear hurt?
Most women describe it as uncomfortable rather than painful. It takes only a few minutes, and the cell collection itself lasts seconds. Relaxing your breathing helps, and you can ask the clinician to stop at any time. Tell them if you feel pain at any point.
Why can a Pap smear not be done at home?
The sample has to be taken from the cervix, which can only be seen with a speculum during a proper examination. That needs a trained clinician, a couch, good light and the right instruments, so the Pap smear is available only as a centre visit.
How often should I have a Pap smear?
Most guidelines suggest every 3 years for women aged about 25 to 65 with normal results, or less often when combined with an HPV test. Women with HIV, past abnormal results or a weak immune system may need it more often. Your gynaecologist will advise the right interval for you.
Can I have a Pap smear during pregnancy?
Yes, a Pap smear is safe in pregnancy and can be done if you are due for screening. Pregnancy can change how cells look, so tell the clinician how many weeks pregnant you are. Light spotting afterwards can happen and usually settles quickly.
Does an abnormal Pap smear mean I have cancer?
No. Most abnormal results show mild changes caused by HPV, and many clear without treatment. Even high-grade changes are precancerous, meaning they can be treated before cancer develops. Your doctor will explain the next step, which may be a repeat smear, HPV testing or colposcopy.
Does a Pap smear check for ovarian cancer?
No. A Pap smear looks only at cervical cells. It does not screen for cancer of the ovaries or the uterus, or for sexually transmitted infections in general. If you have symptoms such as bloating, pelvic pain or unusual bleeding, see a gynaecologist for a proper assessment.
Where can I get the Pap Smear Test done?
At any of our 45 Live Line Health Care centres in 40 cities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Warangal, Kakinada and Nellore. This test is done at a centre, not at home.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor to interpret your results and before starting or changing any treatment.