Cervical Screening Test
What is Cervical Screening Test? Pap Smear and HPV Test
Cervical screening testIt is an important screening method that helps detect cervical cancer and precancerous cellular changes at an early stage. One of the most well-known screening methods in medicinePap Smear Testis. Pap Smear test is performed by examining a cell sample taken from the cervix under a microscope.
“Cervical screening is not done to wait for cancer, but to catch warning cell changes before cancer develops.”
Article Summary
The issue of Cervical Screening Test should be addressed by evaluating the person's complaints, examination findings and needs together. In this article, the basic points about the Cervical Screening Test, the diagnosis-treatment process and things to consider are summarized.
What Will You Find in This Article?
- What is Cervical Screening Test? Pap Smear and HPV Test:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- Why is Cervical Screening Test Done?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- What is Pap Smear Test?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- What is HPV Test?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
Why is Cervical Screening Test Done?
The main purpose of the cervical screening test is to identify precancerous cell changes in the cervix at an early stage. These changes often do not cause symptoms. If regular screening is not performed, it may go unnoticed and turn into cervical cancer over the years.
In cervical screening, Pap smear and HPV-based tests help detect precancerous cellular changes at an early stage [1][3].
Cervical screening test is performed for the following purposes:
- To detect precancerous cellular changes in the cervix,
- Being able to detect cervical cancer at an early stage,
- Evaluating high-risk HPV types,
- To follow abnormal cell changes,
- Planning further evaluations such as colposcopy or biopsy if necessary.
What is Pap Smear Test?
Pap Smear TestIt is the process of taking a cell sample from the cervix with the help of a soft brush or spatula. The cells taken are examined in the pathology laboratory and evaluated for abnormal cell changes in the cervix.
Screening frequency and follow-up plan; should be determined based on age, HPV status, previous test results, and personal risk factors [2][3].
What is HPV Test?
HPV testis a test that looks for the presence of high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer. While the Pap Smear test shows cell changes, the HPV test helps detect high-risk HPV types that may cause these changes.
An abnormal test result alone does not mean cancer; Depending on the type of result, repeat testing, colposcopy, or close follow-up may be required [2].
The National Cancer Institute states that the HPV test can be used together with the Pap test or alone in some age groups in cervical cancer screening. Particularly in women aged 30 and over, HPV testing can be an important part of the screening plan.
Who Should Have Cervical Screening Test?
The general scanning approach is as follows:
In HPV-related cases, vaccination, screening and follow-up examination are considered as preventive health steps that complement each other [1][3].
- 21-29 years old:A Pap Smear test can usually be done every 3 years.
- 30-65 years:Pap test every 3 years, HPV test every 5 years or Pap Smear + HPV co-test every 5 years may be considered.
- After age 65:If previous screening results are regular and normal, discontinuation of screening may be considered; The decision should be made with the doctor.
- Risky groups:More frequent monitoring may be required in immunocompromised individuals, those with a previous history of high-grade lesions, or those with a history of abnormal results.
Scanning frequency; It may vary depending on age, previous test results, HPV status, immune system, pregnancy history and whether cervical lesion treatment has been previously received.
What Should Be Considered Before the Cervical Screening Test?
Proper preparation before the test can help the sample be evaluated more accurately. If possible, it is preferred to perform the test during a period without menstrual bleeding.
- Sexual intercourse should be avoided in the 24-48 hours before the test.
- Vaginal douche should not be performed.
- Tampons should not be used.
- Vaginal creams, suppositories or medications should not be used.
- If there is an active vaginal infection or heavy discharge, evaluation and treatment may be required first.
- If there is pregnancy or there is a possibility of pregnancy, the physician should be informed.
“Not using vaginal products before smear and HPV testing improves sample quality and helps reduce the risk of incorrect evaluation.”
How is Cervical Screening Test Done?
Cervical screening test is a short, generally painless procedure that can be performed during a routine gynecological examination. The patient is placed in the gynecological examination position. The cervix is made visible by inserting a speculum into the vagina.
Then, a cell sample is taken from the cervix with the help of a soft brush or spatula. The sample can be spread on a slide or placed in a liquid-based cytology container, depending on the method used. HPV test can also be run from the same sample. The procedure usually takes a very short time and does not damage the tissue.
- The patient is placed in the gynecological examination position.
- The cervix is visualized with a speculum.
- A cell sample is taken from the cervix with a brush or spatula.
- The sample is sent to the laboratory.
- The results are evaluated as a Pap Smear, HPV test or co-test.
Is Cervical Screening Test Painful?
Pap Smear and HPV testing are generally not painful. Some people may feel pressure or slight discomfort during speculum insertion. There may be a brief, slight touch sensation while taking the cell sample. Slight spotting may occur after the procedure; This is often short-lived.
When Will the Cervical Screening Test Results Be Available?
Result time may vary depending on the working order of the laboratory. Pap Smear and HPV test results can be available within a few days to a few weeks in most centers. Whether the result is normal, abnormal, HPV positive or HPV negative determines the follow-up plan.
How to Evaluate Cervical Screening Test Results?
As a result of the screening, Pap Smear may be normal or abnormal. The HPV test can be reported as high-risk HPV positive or negative. An abnormal result does not necessarily mean cancer. It often indicates that there are cellular changes in the cervix that need to be monitored.
- Normal Pap Smear:No abnormal cell changes were detected.
- HPV Negative:No high-risk HPV types tested were detected.
- HPV Positive:One of the high-risk HPV types has been detected; The follow-up plan is determined according to the HPV type and smear result.
- Results such as ASC-US, LSIL, HSIL:It indicates the degree of cellular change and colposcopy can be planned if necessary.
When is Colposcopy and Biopsy Required?
If abnormal cells are detected in the cervical screening test or if there is high-risk HPV positivity, colposcopy may be required. Colposcopy enables detailed examination of the cervix by enlarging it. If a suspicious area is seen, a biopsy may be taken.
Biopsy is the taking of a small tissue sample from the cervix and examination in the pathology laboratory. More advanced procedures, such as cone biopsy, are usually planned when there is suspicion of a high-grade lesion or when diagnosis and treatment are required.
The Role of HPV Vaccine in Cervical Cancer Screening
The HPV vaccine helps protect against some high-risk types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. However, being vaccinated does not mean that screening tests will be abandoned completely. Cervical screening appropriate to age and risk status should continue in vaccinated people.
Cervical Screening Test Prices 2026
Cervical screening test prices; It may vary depending on whether only a Pap Smear test is performed, whether HPV DNA testing is added, liquid-based cytology method, laboratory scope, and whether additional evaluation is required.
The most accurate information about current cervical screening test prices for 2026 can be given through a personal evaluation after the examination. Because each patient's age, risk status, previous test history and the screening method they need are different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pap Smear test is one of the methods used in cervical screening. Cervical screening can be done as a Pap Smear, HPV test, or a co-test using both.
Generally, Pap Smear screening begins at age 21. Screening frequency may vary depending on age, HPV testing, and previous results.
HPV positivity does not mean cancer. Follow-up, retesting or colposcopy may be planned depending on the HPV type, smear result and previous test history.
A smear test is usually not painful. There may be a slight pressure sensation when inserting the speculum. Taking a cell sample is a short process.
It is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse in the 24-48 hours before the test. Vaginal creams, suppositories, tampons and vaginal douche should also not be used before the test.
Yes. HPV vaccine helps reduce the risk of cervical cancer; However, age-appropriate screening tests should continue as they do not provide complete protection against all HPV types.