What Is A Pap Smear Test And Why It Is Done?

A Pap Smear, commonly called a Pap test, is a screening procedure used to detect abnormal cell growth in the cervix and diagnose cervical cancer in females. 

WHO reports that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. On the other hand, as stated by the CDC, almost 11000+ cases are diagnosed annually in the US. 

But even if you don’t have cervical cancer, finding cell changes early can prevent you from developing it. Experts suggest to get a pap smear every three years after 21 years of age. 

Family Urgent Care provides a convenient and safe environment to get a pap smear done. You can either book your appointment or directly walk into our clinic and consult our experienced healthcare providers right away.

Who Can Get A Pap Smear Test?

Healthcare experts suggest every woman to get a pap smear test as follows:

  • Women aged 21 to 29 should get the test every 3 years
  • Women aged 30 to 65 should get a pap smear and HPV test every 5 years
  • Sexually active females should get routine pap smears as recommended by their doctor 
  • If you have a history of abnormal pap test results or HPV infection in the past.
  • Women who are HIV positive or suffer from immuno-compromised conditions like organ transplants or chronic use of corticosteroids. 
 

There is no need for cervical cancer screenings for females who are over 65 years and had no abnormal test results in the last 10 years.

How Can You Prepare Yourself For A Pap Smear Test?

There are a few things that might affect pap smear results so it’s better to avoid the following activities before your test:

  • Avoid sexual intercourse for two days before your exam
  • Do not use any vaginal creams, medicines or birth control foams or jellies for at least two days. 
  • Do not use any sprays or powders near the vagina

Also, you can schedule your appointment five days after your period ends to get accurate results. 

When Can You Expect Pap Smear Test Results?

Once you get your pap smear done at Family Urgent Care, you can expect your results in one to three weeks. You can contact our clinic directly via phone to confirm whether your results are ready or not. 

How Are Pap Smear Tests Performed?

A pap smear test can be performed during a pelvic exam, in which the patient lies on the back with knees bent and heels on the footrest.

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The doctor inserts a speculum inside the vagina and takes a few cells from the cervix by using a small soft brush.

The sample is further sent to the lab for testing or identifying the presence of abnormal cells. Some patients might bleed during the procedure. It could also be uncomfortable but quick.

Your pap smear test results could be negative or positive. A negative report generally means you do not have any abnormal cells and are cancer-free for the next 3 years. However, in the case of positive reports, it is not necessary that cancer is present but it can indicate the presence of abnormal pre-cancerous cells.

Pap Smear

James H.
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Zero wait time and was seen immediately for a walk-in appointment. Very clean and welcoming. Also very professional and the doctor explained everything I needed to know. I recommend going here and will be going back :)
Faith D.
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Very efficient and friendly clinic! I was able to get advice and a prescription extremely fast even though it was the end of the night.I'll definitely return to this urgent care if I need help in the future.
Aaron M.
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Quick and easy visit. Wanted to get check for strep or other viral things bc of symptoms. They had me in and out in 15 minutes! Super easy and very kind
Momojani J.
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Good Family Urgent Care W Morse Ave. Very cooperative and understanding staff and doctor.
Paradox_ J.
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Customer Service was nice, we had causal conversation and talked about college. The doctor was cool as well. Examined it, diagnosed it, and explained what was going on. He was direct too which was nice and saved time.
Jasmine S.
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Was not feeling well they listen to my problem figure out what was wrong and they solve it and got me feeling better . Thank you so much
Jackie C.
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Excellent service
Marisol L.
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This is my first time at Family Urgent Care. The staff is thorough and compassionate. I had a great experience with them and strongly recommend them for any of your health concerns.
Charlie G.
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I was very quickly attended to at this wonderful clinic !Everyone was very friendly and the physician was extremely knowledgeable and put me at ease about my health concerns
Lindsay W.
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They were very nice and efficient had me in and out within 30 minutes. Would go again!
Ghetto Gaming Streaming L.
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I love it
Shaliyah B.
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Fast and easy!
Titilayo V A.
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Great services
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Great service
Lewis W.
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This is probably the best urgent care facility that I know the staff and the physicians are always very professional and very caring
Melanie P.
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This is my 1st -2nd time coming to this clinic,I'm very well so satisfied,there's not much wait ,it's a walk in but I was attended really quick,eve when I made my appt over the phone,the Np responded quickly and my problems were address,Monica V. NP was very professional,willing to discuss,hear out concerns ang offer alternatives,I needed to provide urine and Maya in the reception was very helpful,I needed to come back to discuss the result of my u/a c/s ,Dr.S. Mahmood was a very good doctor,this is the 1st time I'd been to an urgent clinic with a specialist on duty,omg it's like I hit jackpot.He is a transplant Nephrologist!!!I was so lucky to have found him& this clinic,he definitely know his field of expertise,willing to explain,answer questions,offer alternatives and of course he takes time to listens to patient's (my)concerns,that's the kind of doctors we should be looking for,& as a nurse myself,I definitely recommend this place,this place is trustworthy !!!
Doozer 8.
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Always a great experience! Quick and affordable help. With having no insurance, I need a place like this!
tia J.
1740351833
Everyone in the doctors office were very sweet and patient with me and kids 10/10 recommend
Roxanne S.
1740342749
It was my first time going here and I had a great experience - especially with P.A. Lena Farah. She was extremely patient and thorough. She listened and asked questions to get a better understanding. She took my concerns into consideration and was very efficient. I definitely recommend this facility for urgent care. Thank you again, Lena. You're amazing!
Yevgeniy N.
1740156699
Family Urgent care is a great place. I walked in without an appointment. I was seen within 15 minutes. The staff was very pleasant. The doctor listened to my problems, ran some tests and explained how to navigate the complicated healthcare system with medicaid.I had a blood test done. I have very small veins which means that usually I would have to get poked three or four times with the needle. Maya was able to hit the vein on her first try. She had such a delicate touch that I barely felt the needle and was left with no bruise on my arm. Great place, great staff.
Mary Charles R.
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Very quick and helpful!
Hurairah
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I had an excellent experience at Family Urgent Care. The staff took great care of me and were incredibly friendly and professional. They knew exactly what they were doing every step of the way, making me feel comfortable throughout the procedure. The aftercare was also top-notch. A special shoutout to the team for their kindness and expertise. Highly recommend!
Noah F. W.
1737484685
They were outstanding. Check in was easy and quick despite being a new patient, and the care was superb. Found them in an emergency situation and they were above and beyond any provider I have found in an immediate care situation. Not too long of a wait despite being a walk in, patient & kind staff, good communication, excellent medical skills, thorough care. I will never go anywhere else for urgent care again.
Kailee C.
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Fast, friendly, and makes you feel comfortable!
victor G.
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Quick and easy
David H.
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Very fast very helpfulGreat urgent care service
Michael T.
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Care was fast, and the entire medical team was very informative and very good with my 4 year old brother
Martina M.
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very helpful and friendly office
Hussain S.
1736530230
Maya is best medical assistantShe know what she is doingShe is very polite and professional
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