A Pap smear (Pap test) is a cervical cancer screening test that detects abnormal cells before they become cancerous. At Mother Hospitals, Boduppal, we perform Pap smears for women aged 21–65, with results in 48–72 hours. Recommended every 3 years (or every 5 years with HPV co-test). Call 97059 93366 to book.
Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with timely screening. Mother Hospitals, Boduppal offers Pap smear testing performed by Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy — a specialist gynaecologist with 20+ years experience. Results within 48–72 hours. Quick, accurate, and covered in your annual women's health visit.
MBBS, DGO, PG Diploma in ART – Kiel University, Germany | 20+ Years Experience | TGMC Reg: 50624
A Pap smear (Papanicolaou test) is one of the most effective cancer-screening tools ever developed. It detects abnormal cervical cells years — sometimes a decade — before they become cancerous, giving women and their doctors ample time to intervene.
A Pap smear collects cells from the cervix — specifically from the transformation zone, where cervical cells are most likely to undergo abnormal changes triggered by HPV infection. The collected cells are examined under a microscope for:
Crucially, the Pap smear catches changes at the CIN1–CIN3 stage, when they are 100% treatable and have not yet spread. This is why regular screening — even when you feel completely well — can be lifesaving.
These two tests are often confused or used interchangeably in conversation, but they measure different things:
At Mother Hospitals, we offer both Pap smear and HPV co-testing. Dr. Prashanthi Reddy will advise which combination is right for your age and history.
FOGSI (Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India) recommends that all sexually active women aged 21–65 undergo regular Pap smear screening. Women in low-resource settings can use VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) as an alternative, but liquid-based cytology (the method used at Mother Hospitals) is the most accurate option available.
Pap smear guidelines depend on your age, HPV vaccination status, and prior results. Here is the evidence-based schedule recommended by WHO and FOGSI for Indian women.
✦ These are general guidelines. Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy will tailor your screening schedule based on your individual history and risk factors.
Many women delay their Pap smear due to anxiety about the procedure. Understanding exactly what will happen helps — the test is brief, and any discomfort is mild and short-lived.
You will lie on the examination table with your knees bent (lithotomy position). A drape is provided for privacy and comfort. Dr. Prashanthi Reddy will explain each step before proceeding.
A small, lubricated speculum (a smooth instrument shaped like a duck's bill) is gently inserted into the vagina to open it slightly. This allows the doctor to see the cervix clearly. You may feel mild pressure — deep breathing helps relax the pelvic muscles.
A soft brush (endocervical brush) and/or small spatula is gently rotated on the surface of the cervix to collect a sample of cells. You may feel a mild scraping sensation that lasts only seconds. This is the most important part of the test and takes under a minute.
The collected cells are rinsed into a liquid preservative vial (liquid-based cytology — the most accurate method). The speculum is then gently removed. The entire collection takes under 5 minutes from start to finish.
You can resume normal activities immediately. Some women experience very light spotting for 1–2 days — this is normal and not a cause for concern. Avoid inserting anything into the vagina for 24 hours.
Your sample goes to a certified pathology laboratory. At Mother Hospitals, we process results within 48–72 hours. Dr. Prashanthi Reddy will call you or arrange a follow-up consultation to discuss your results — no result goes unexplained.
Receiving a result — especially an abnormal one — can be anxiety-inducing. Here is what each result actually means, in plain language.
No abnormal cells were found. Your cervix looks healthy. You can relax — continue with routine screening at your next scheduled interval (3 years if under 30, 3–5 years if 30+). A normal result does not mean you can skip future smears.
Cells look slightly unusual but not clearly abnormal. This is the most common "abnormal" result and usually means nothing serious. Most often caused by minor HPV infection that will clear on its own. An HPV reflex test (from the same sample) will usually be done to decide next steps — either a repeat Pap in 6–12 months or colposcopy.
CIN1 (Mild dysplasia): Low-grade changes. About 60% resolve spontaneously within 2 years. Usually monitored with repeat Pap smear at 6–12 months rather than treated immediately.
CIN2 (Moderate dysplasia): More significant changes. Treatment is often recommended — typically a LEEP procedure (Loop Excision) or cold knife cone biopsy to remove the abnormal cells. Curative in almost all cases.
CIN3 (Severe dysplasia / Carcinoma in Situ): Most advanced precancerous stage — treatment is essential and urgent. Highly curable with prompt treatment before any invasion occurs.
A colposcopy is a closer examination of the cervix using a magnifying instrument (colposcope) and dilute acetic acid to highlight abnormal areas. Dr. Prashanthi Reddy will recommend colposcopy if your Pap smear shows CIN2, CIN3, HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion), or persistent ASCUS. Colposcopy is painless, done in the clinic, and takes about 15–20 minutes. Directed biopsies during colposcopy confirm the diagnosis before any treatment is planned.
Your Pap smear at Mother Hospitals is performed by Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy personally — not a nurse or technician. Her 20+ years of experience means she can identify atypical visual findings during the exam that go beyond what a standard slide report captures.
We use liquid-based cytology processed through certified pathology laboratories. Most patients receive their results within 48 hours. Dr. Prashanthi Reddy reviews and counsels you on results — you are never left to interpret a report alone.
From the same sample collected during your Pap smear, we can add an HPV co-test — detecting the presence of high-risk HPV strains. This is the most powerful cervical screening strategy currently available and is especially valuable for women aged 30–65.
We understand that gynaecological examinations require sensitivity. Our examination rooms are private, well-equipped, and managed with care. Dr. Prashanthi Reddy explains each step before proceeding and encourages patients to ask questions throughout the appointment.
Combine your Pap smear with an HPV vaccination, breast screening, PCOS review, or general gynaecology consultation in one visit. This integrated approach means fewer appointments and complete annual women's health coverage.
Our Mother 9 Annual Wellness Card (₹500) includes a Pap smear consultation among nine preventive health benefits. This makes regular cervical screening truly accessible and affordable for all women in Boduppal and East Hyderabad.
Pap smear pricing at Mother Hospitals is affordable and transparent. The cost covers the gynaecologist consultation, the liquid-based cytology test, laboratory processing, and a follow-up result consultation with Dr. Prashanthi Reddy. Please contact us for current pricing — we do not inflate laboratory charges and work with certified labs for accurate, timely results. Call 97059 93366 or WhatsApp us for current fees.
Women enrolled in the Mother 9 Annual Wellness Programme (₹500) receive their annual Pap smear consultation as part of the programme package.
A Pap smear is not painful for most women. You may feel mild pressure or a brief scraping sensation when cells are collected — this lasts only a few seconds. The entire procedure takes 3–5 minutes. Women who tense up during the exam sometimes feel more discomfort; slow, deep breathing and consciously relaxing your pelvic muscles helps significantly. Let Dr. Prashanthi Reddy know if you feel any pain — she can adjust her technique. If you have had difficulty with pelvic exams in the past, please tell us when you book so we can plan additional comfort measures.
Yes. This is very important — HPV vaccination does not eliminate the need for Pap smear screening. Gardasil 9 covers approximately 90% of cervical cancer-causing HPV strains, but a residual 10% remain uncovered. Additionally, the vaccine does not treat HPV infections already present at the time of vaccination. FOGSI and WHO recommend that vaccinated women continue regular Pap smear screening on the same schedule as unvaccinated women.
An abnormal Pap smear does not mean you have cancer. The vast majority of abnormal results represent precancerous changes (CIN1–CIN3) that are highly treatable. Dr. Prashanthi Reddy will review your result with you and recommend the appropriate next step — which may be a repeat Pap smear in 6–12 months (for mild changes), an HPV reflex test, or a colposcopy (for higher-grade changes). At every stage, changes are managed proactively to prevent progression to cancer.
It is best to avoid heavy menstrual bleeding during your Pap smear, as blood can obscure the cell sample and make laboratory interpretation difficult. Light spotting is fine — the test can still proceed. If your period arrives unexpectedly on the day of your appointment, contact us and we will advise whether to proceed or reschedule. The ideal window for a Pap smear is Day 10–20 of your menstrual cycle.
Most guidelines recommend stopping Pap smear screening after age 65, provided you have had at least three consecutive normal Pap smears in the past 10 years (or two negative HPV co-tests in the past 10 years with the most recent in the past 5 years). Women who have never been screened regularly should continue until they meet the exit criteria. Women with a history of CIN2/CIN3 or cervical cancer should continue for at least 20 years after their last treatment, regardless of age.
No. A Pap smear specifically screens for cervical cell abnormalities only. It does not detect ovarian cancer, uterine (endometrial) cancer, or other pelvic conditions. Sometimes abnormal endometrial cells are incidentally found in a Pap smear sample — if this occurs, Dr. Prashanthi Reddy will advise further investigation. For ovarian cyst evaluation, an ultrasound is more appropriate. For uterine cancer screening, a separate endometrial biopsy or transvaginal ultrasound is required.
The cell collection itself takes 3–5 minutes. Your appointment at Mother Hospitals will include time for a brief gynaecological history, the examination, and post-procedure discussion. Allocate 20–30 minutes for your full visit. Results are returned within 48–72 hours. Results are discussed in a follow-up call or in-person consultation depending on your preference.
No. Fasting is not required for a Pap smear. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. The only preparation required is to avoid sexual intercourse, vaginal creams, douching, and tampons for 48 hours before the test, and to schedule your appointment outside of heavy menstrual bleeding. Emptying your bladder just before the examination helps make the pelvic exam more comfortable.
Dr. E. Prashanthi Reddy · TGMC Reg: 50624