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Cytology (Pap Smear) Genital Female Conventional Test

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Cytology (Pap Smear) Genital Female Conventional Test

Short Name: Pap Smear Conventional

Also known as: Pap Test, Conventional Cervical Cytology, Cervical Smear Test, Pap Smear Conventional

Cytology (Pap Smear) Genital Female Conventional Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹878. Uses Microscopy of Papanicolaou stained smears on Cervical smear on 2 glass slides fixed immediately in absolute alcohol samples. Results in Reports are usually available the next working day after sample receipt.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

GynecologistFemaleSexually active women aged 21 years and above🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr Pasupathy Arumugam

Dr Pasupathy Arumugam

Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

To screen for abnormal cervical cells, precancerous changes, cervical cancer, and infections such as HPV in women who are sexually active or at risk.

Test Code
3467
Price
₹878
Sample Type
Cervical smear on 2 glass slides fixed immediately in absolute alcohol
Result Time
Reports are usually available the next working day after sample receipt.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Microscopy of Papanicolaou stained smears
Step 1

Sample Collection

Do not take smears during menstrual cycles. Duly filled Cytopathology Requisition Form (Form 8) is mandatory. Avoid douching, vaginal creams, tampons, sexual intercourse, or vaginal medications for at least 24 to 48 hours before sample collection.

Method: Cervical scraping or smear collection by a gynaecologist or trained technician

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A speculum is gently inserted into the vagina to visualise the cervix. Cells are collected from the cervix using a spatula or brush and smeared onto 2 glass slides. The slides are fixed immediately in absolute alcohol for 30 minutes and then air dried.

Step 3

Report Delivery

You can usually resume routine activities immediately after the procedure. Mild spotting may occur and generally resolves within a few hours. Contact your gynaecologist if you experience heavy bleeding, pain, or fever.

Timeline: Reports are usually available the next working day after sample receipt.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:Do not take smears during menstrual cycles. Avoid douching, sexual intercourse, vaginal creams, tampons, or vaginal medications for at least 24 to 48 hours before the test.
2
During the Test:The procedure is usually quick. You may feel mild pressure or discomfort during speculum insertion and cervical cell collection.
3
After the Test:You can resume routine activities immediately. Mild spotting is common and usually stops within a few hours.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

To screen for abnormal cervical cells, precancerous changes, cervical cancer, and infections such as HPV in women who are sexually active or at risk.

How to Prepare

  • Collect smears onto 2 glass slides and fix immediately in absolute alcohol for 30 minutes.
  • Air dry after fixation. Do not allow smears to air dry before fixation.
  • Ensure the Cytopathology Requisition Form (Form 8) is duly filled and attached.
  • Do not take smears during menstrual cycles.

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521

"Regular cervical cytology screening is one of the most effective ways to detect precancerous changes early. Women with symptoms such as bleeding after intercourse or unusual discharge should consult a gynaecologist without delay."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeCervical smear on 2 glass slides fixed immediately in absolute alcohol
Sample Volume2 glass slides
ContainerGlass slides with absolute alcohol fixative
Collection MethodCervical scraping or smear collection by a gynaecologist or trained technician

Sample Stability

Room temperature: NA
Refrigerator: NA
Frozen: NA
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Air-dried smears before fixation
  • Improperly labelled or unlabelled slides
  • Missing or incomplete Cytopathology Requisition Form (Form 8)
  • Samples collected during menstrual bleeding
  • Broken or damaged slides

Understanding Your Results

The Pap smear is reported using standard cytology terminology. A normal result is usually reported as Negative for Intraepithelial Lesion or Malignancy (NILM).
📊

NILM (Negative for Intraepithelial Lesion or Malignancy)

No precancerous or cancerous changes detected on the sample.

📊

ASC-US

Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance; usually requires follow-up or HPV testing.

📊

LSIL

Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion; mild cellular changes often associated with HPV.

📊

HSIL

High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion; more severe precancerous changes requiring colposcopy.

📊

AGC

Atypical glandular cells; may require further evaluation of the endocervix and endometrium.

📊

Carcinoma or Malignant cells

Features suggestive of invasive cervical malignancy; urgent referral is needed.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

See a gynaecologist if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, or if your Pap smear report shows any cellular abnormality.

Limitations

  • ⚠A Pap smear is a screening test and not a definitive diagnostic test for cervical cancer.
  • ⚠False-negative results can occur; regular screening is important.
  • ⚠Abnormal results usually require colposcopy or biopsy for diagnosis.
  • ⚠Conventional smears may have obscuring blood or mucus compared with liquid-based cytology.

Risks & Considerations

  • ●Mild discomfort during speculum insertion or sample collection
  • ●Transient light spotting after sample collection
  • ●False-negative or false-positive results can occur, so clinical correlation is needed

Interfering Factors

  • ●Menstrual blood obscuring cellular details
  • ●Vaginal creams, douches, tampons, or recent intercourse
  • ●Air drying of smears before fixation
  • ●Insufficient or absent endocervical/transformation zone component
  • ●Inflammation or infection obscuring cellular evaluation

Compare With Similar Tests

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cytology (Pap Smear) Genital Female Conventional Test?
It is a screening test in which cervical cells are collected on glass slides, stained by the Papanicolaou method, and examined under a microscope to detect abnormal cervical cells.
Who should get this test?
All sexually active women aged 21 years and above should consider this test. Women with risk factors such as a family history of cervical cancer, HPV infection, or weakened immunity may need more frequent testing.
Do I need to fast before the test?
No fasting is required. However, do not take smears during menstrual cycles and avoid vaginal creams, douches, or intercourse for 24 to 48 hours before collection.
Can the sample be collected during menstruation?
No. Samples should not be taken during menstrual cycles because blood can obscure the cervical cells and affect the report quality.
Is home sample collection available?
Yes. DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for online bookings for this test across India.
How long does it take to get the report?
Reports are usually available the next working day after sample receipt. Samples collected daily by 6 pm are processed accordingly.
What does a normal Pap smear report mean?
A normal report is usually described as Negative for Intraepithelial Lesion or Malignancy (NILM), meaning no precancerous or cancerous changes were detected.
Does this test detect HPV?
The conventional Pap smear is not a direct HPV DNA test, but it can show cellular changes associated with HPV infection. If needed, an HPV DNA test may be recommended separately.
Is the procedure painful?
It is generally not painful, though some women experience mild discomfort or pressure during speculum insertion and sample collection. Mild spotting may occur briefly.
How often should I repeat the Pap smear?
Women aged 21 to 65 years should generally repeat every 3 years if results are normal, but follow your gynaecologist's advice, especially if you are at high risk.
What if my Pap smear result is abnormal?
An abnormal result does not always mean cancer. Your gynaecologist may recommend repeat testing, HPV testing, colposcopy, or biopsy to determine the cause.
What is the cost of the Cytology Pap Smear Genital Female Conventional Test?
The test is priced at INR 877.5 at DNA Labs India. Free home sample collection is available for online bookings.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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