Papanicolaou test

Necessary additional examinations:
• Not required.

Preparation for the examination:
• The material for Papanicolaou test is collected prior to a gynaecological examination, transvaginal ultrasound examination, bacteriological (culture) or virological tests on vaginal and/or cervical specimens.
• The Papanicolaou test may be performed 2 days after the last menstruation at the earliest and 4 days before the expected menstruation at the latest (best between days 10 and 12 of the cycle - with the 1st day of the cycle being the 1st day of menstruation).
• Discontinue the use of intravaginal drugs/preparations, tampons or vaginal irrigation at least 4 days before the Papanicolaou test.
• Abstain from sexual intercourse at least 24 hours before the Papanicolaou test.
• At least 24 hours before the Papanicolaou test, no gynaecological examination, transvaginal ultrasound examination, or collection of vaginal and/or cervical specimens for bacteriological (culture) or virological tests should be performed.
• In cases of vaginatis, its curing is necessary prior to the collection of Papanicolaou test specimen.

Drugs:
• On the day of examination, all the routinely administered drugs should be taken, with the exception of intravaginal drugs.

Necessary information for the physician:
• Date of last menstruation
• Duration of menstrual cycles (menstrual cycle is counted from the first menstruation day until the first day of the next menstruation)
• History of births, miscarriage, reproductive organ surgeries, treatment of cervical, vaginal or vulvar lesions
• Previous Papanicolaou test, colposcopy and histology results
• Taken drugs, particularly hormone ones

During the procedure:
• Inform the physician/midwife about sudden complaints (e.g. pain) experienced during or immediately after the collection of Papanicolaou test specimen.

Contraindications:
• None - the Papanicolaou test may be performed in females of any age, also in pregnant women; the Papanicolaou test may be repeated numerous times depending on the medical indications specified by the physician.