Do doctors call with Pap smear results?
HPV testing If you are age 21 to 29, and you have an abnormal Pap result, your doctor will call you in for an HPV screening, which looks for signs of high-risk HPV that could cause cancer. This test is extremely accurate and can typically tell us whether or not you are at high risk for cervical cancer.
How do you get Pap smear results?
This allows them to see your cervix. Your doctor will use a swab to take a sample of cells from your cervix. They’ll place them into a liquid substance in a small jar, and send them to a lab for review. The Pap test doesn’t hurt, but you may feel a little pinch or a bit of pressure.
Why would I get a call back from a Pap smear?
If the results of your Pap test come back positive, that means your doctor found abnormal or unusual cells on your cervix. It doesn’t mean you have cervical cancer. Most often, the abnormal test result means there have been cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
How long it takes to get Pap smear results?
Usually, it takes 1 to 3 weeks to get Pap and HPV test results. Most of the time, test results are normal. If you do not get the results of your Pap and HPV tests 3 weeks after the test, call your doctor’s office to get the results.
What is the next step after an abnormal pap smear?
Your next step is usually a minor procedure called a colposcopy. This procedure is a visual examination of the cervix using a low-powered microscope used to find and then biopsy abnormal areas in your cervix that may lead to cervical cancer.
What kind of infections cause abnormal Pap smears?
Cause. Most abnormal Pap tests are caused by HPV infections. Other types of infection—such as those caused by bacteria, yeast, or protozoa (Trichomonas)—sometimes lead to minor changes on a Pap test called atypical squamous cells.
How do I know if my Pap smear is normal?
A normal, also called negative, Pap smear result indicates that no evidence of abnormal cells were found in the sample. An abnormal, or positive, result on a Pap smear indicates that abnormal cells were detected in the sample and additional treatment or testing may be necessary.
Can a Pap smear detect STD?
A Pap smear can’t detect STDs. To test for diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea, your healthcare provider takes a sample of fluid from the cervix. Fluid isn’t the same as cervical cells. Blood tests can also identify certain STDs.