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Liquid based cytology (PAP-test)

Liquid based cytology (PAP-test) is a type of cytological laboratory examination for cervical cancer screening. That is why, it has a synonym “oncocytology”.

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Cervical cancer affects women of all ages. The cause of the disease includes some types of human papilloma virus. The disease is characterized by a long period of development from the preclinical to the clinical stage (on average 7-15 years), the regeneration of epithelial cells at this time. The preclinical stage is precisely the period of precancerous changes.

If all women were examined in time by means of the liquid based cytology method, then cervical cancer might not be present! — Nina Tkachuk, oncogynecologist of MDC “Med-Atlant”.

The disease is characterized by the absence of symptoms at the early stages, and it is liquid based cytology that allows to detect changes that have already begun, even if they cannot be detected in any other way. This test can be taken at MDC “Med-Atlant” in Ivano-Frankivsk. Early diagnosis ensures gentle treatment for a woman’s health, avoidance of severe emotional stress, significant financial costs and inevitable changes in the body, which, unfortunately, occur at the late stages of the disease.

PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER — WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONVENTIONAL AND LIQUID-BASED CYTOLOGY?

When examining, a gynecologist takes a smear for cytology using the conventional method. The smear is applied to glass, fixed, dried, and then examined by a cytologist. The obtained results are useful, but less informative.

In liquid-based cytology, the same material from the smear is transferred to a preservation solution (thus keeping the cells in their natural state) and examined in the laboratory. The PAP-test is conducted using the SurePath BD technology, an automated method recommended by the FDA (USA) and CE protocols. Research results for cervical cancer screening are much more accurate and informative. The advantages of such cytological screening are:

Answer after the first take of the material.

Significant reduction in the number of unsatisfactory or limited for interpretation materials, by 43-81%.

Due to SurePath BD technology, impurities of blood and mucus, which can be present during inflammatory processes or pregnancy, are removed.

Since all cells are stored in the preservation solution, it contributes to high accuracy of the examination.

With one-time sampling, it is possible to conduct several diagnostic tests to increase the effectiveness of cervical screening.

PREPARATION AND CONDUCTION OF PAP-TEST BY MEANS OF LIQUID-BASED CYTOLOGY

PREPARATION FOR THE TEST:

The recommended period for taking the material is 8-20 days of the menstrual cycle;

Two days before the time appointed for the procedure, it is forbidden to use any vaginal products or have sexual contact;

Collection of the material is conducted no less than a day after the gynecologist’s examination and colposcopy;

Women who gave birth can do the test no earlier than 5-6 weeks after childbirth.

The procedure is painless, slight discomfort is possible. The gynecologist takes the cells for examination with a special soft brush. After that, the obtained material is transferred to a special container with a solution and sent for examination.

For prevention, the recommended frequency of taking the test is once a year. Liquid-based cytology is recommended by gynecologists to prevent serious pathological changes.

Results of PAP-test by means of liquid-based cytology method and further actions

The results of the PAP-test are classified according to the international terminology for the classification of cytological tests called the Bethesda System.

CHANGES IN THE SQUAMOUS EPITHELIUM:

NILM – negative results, normal state of the epithelium, i.e., the cytogram is within normal limits.

ASC-US – there are atypical cells with undistinctive features. At this stage, changes are reversible.

ASC-H – atypical cells of squamous epithelium, when dysplasia cannot be excluded.

LSIL – cells with signs of disruption, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, mild dysplasia.

HSIL – high-grade intraepithelial lesion, suspicion of cancer.

CIS – invasive squamous cell carcinoma.

CHANGES IN THE GLANDULAR EPITHELIUM:

AGC-US – atypical cells of the glandular epithelium of unknown significance.

AGC favor neoplastic – atypical cells with suspicion of neoplasia (precancerous lesion).

AIS – adenocarcinoma.

A gynecologist will explain the test results and give further recommendations. Of course, the most pleasant result is the absence of atypical cells.

Even if there is a different result, it is not a diagnosis yet, and even not a reason for treatment. Changes in the cells require additional examination – colposcopy, targeted biopsy, examination for sexually transmitted infections. Having complete examination results, the doctor can give recommendations and prescribe treatment.

Our goal is to prevent the transition of the disease to a severe stage. Come for preventive examination, follow the doctor’s recommendations for cytological screening (oncocytology) and treatment scheme, if necessary. The happiest person is a healthy person.

Thanks to modern diagnostic, the possibility of cervical cancer can be completely ruled out. Use this opportunity! At MDC “Med-Atlant”, gynecologists will be happy to help you understand the necessary preventive measures or other further actions. Get in touch!

PRICES FOR GYNECOLOGY SERVICES AT MED-ATLANTE

Service	Price (UAH)
Gynecology
Consultation of a gynecologist	600
Consultation of a primary oncogynecologist	700
Repeated consultation with a gynecologist / oncologist * Interpretation of tests and preparation of a treatment plan	400
Full examination by a gynecologist (individual approach, history taking, examination on the chair, mirror, smear, cytology, video and photocolposcopy, diagnosis, treatment)	1100
Full examination by a gynecologist (individual approach, history taking, examination on the chair, mirror, smear, cytology, video and photocolposcopy, diagnosis, treatment)	1200
Full examination by a gynecologist (individual approach, medical history, examination on a chair, mirror, CVU smear, liquid cytology PAP test, video and photocolposcopy, diagnosis, treatment)	1300
Full examination by an oncogynecologist (individual approach, medical history, examination on a chair, mirror, smear, cytology, video and photocolposcopy, diagnosis, treatment)	1250
Repeated video and photocolposcopy	300
Vulvoscopy	400
Full examination by an oncogynecologist (individual approach, medical history, examination on a chair, mirror, CVU smear, PAP test, video and photocolposcopy, diagnosis, treatment)	1300
Full examination by an oncogynecologist (individual approach, medical history, examination on a chair, mirror, CVU smear, liquid cytology PAP test, video and photocolposcopy, diagnosis, treatment)	1400
Video and photocolposcopy	400
CVU smear	200
Cytology	200
Pap test smear	300
Initial consultation of a pregnant woman (filling out an exchange card, registration at 12 weeks)	1500
Repeat visit of the pregnant woman to the attending physician	500
Postcoital test (compatibility test)	350
Dancing with medicines	250
Aspirate from the uterine cavity	500
Radio wave biopsy of the cervix	500
Histological examination	500
Histological examination	500
Entering the spiral (without the cost of the spiral)	700
Introduction of the Jaides Spiral (Including the Navy)	4000
IUD insertion with anesthesia (without the cost of the IUD)	800
Introduction of the Mirena IUD (without the cost of the IUD)	1000
Introduction of the Mirena IUD (Includes IUD)	4400
Spiral removal + imprint	600
Sampling for PCR	150
Radio wave coagulation of the cervix	from 2000
Radio wave excision	from 4000
Opening of the bartholin gland abscess	from 1200
Echosalpinography	from 2000
Argon plasma coagulation	from 1500
Argon treatment of the cervix	400
Pain relief	300
Anesthesia (depending on the duration)	from 2500
PRP therapy of the uterine cavity (1 procedure)	2000
Correction with mezzanine threads	5000
Correction with hyaluronic acid (1 pc.)	7000
Cervical canal drilling	1600
Circular suturing of the cervix **	6000
Setting up an obstetric pessary	from 3500
Laser therapy of urinary incontinence / rejuvenation of the intimate area / lifting / whitening of the intimate area	2500
Rapid test for fetal fibronectin	400
Analysis is paid separately * nights of stay are paid additionally

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QUESTION-ANSWER

What does the PAP test show?

This test will help to detect the presence or absence of pathology in the cells of the cervical canal of the cervix. This is an early prevention of cervical cancer.

When should a PAP test be done?

Once a year for prevention. More often – according to the indications of your gynecologist.

How is the liquid cytology test taken?

The sampling is performed by a gynecologist during a gynecological examination. The procedure is painless, a special soft brush is used.

How to prepare for liquid cytology?

The optimal period for taking the test is day 8-20 of the menstrual cycle.
Do not have sexual intercourse 2 days before the procedure.
Do not use any vaginal products (suppositories, lubricants, douches, tampons, etc.) for 2 days.
After childbirth, the PAP test can be taken no earlier than 8 weeks after delivery, you should check with your gynecologist for sure.