Pap smear & hrHPV test
About
Pap smears are recommended for women between the ages of 25 and 65 and women who are sexually active. During a Pap smear a sample of cervical cells is collected and spread on a microscope slide. The cells are examined under a microscope to detect any abnormal cells.
Two screening tests can be done to prevent cervical cancer or find it early
The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
The hrHPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes. If the hrHPV test is done, it should be repeated every 5 years if there are no risk factors such as HIV
The hrHPV is an alternate test to a pap smear. Members are encouraged to discuss their options with their doctors.
Get started
Contact your healthcare professional to have the vaccination done.
Need to know
What to know before the Pap smear
- The best screening time is between 10 and 20 days after the first day of your period.
- In the two days leading up to your test, take a shower rather than a bath and avoid douching or using spermicides because this can hide abnormal cervical cells.
Paying for the Pap smear
- If you are a member on a medical scheme administered by Discovery Health, you are covered for one Pap smear every three years, from your Screening Benefit. Members who are at high risk are eligible for a yearly Pap smear test. The consultation fee is paid from your available day-to-day benefits.
Vitality points for a Pap smear
- You earn 2 500 Vitality points for a Pap smear if you are a female between the ages of 25 and 65.
- If you are claiming the cost of this screening from a medical scheme administered by Discovery Health you do not need to submit proof as points will be awarded automatically. Please allow 7 days for your points to reflect.
- If not, submit proof of your screening on the Claim Vitality Points page for your points to be awarded. Please allow 48 hours for processing, you can then check that these points have been awarded on your Vitality Points Tracker.
- Visit a healthcare provider for a Pap smear once every three years. You will earn the points in the year of the screening, and at the beginning of January in the following two years.
What to know to prepare for your HPV test
- You should not schedule your test for a time when you are having your period.
- In the two days leading up to your test, take a shower rather than a bath and avoid douching or using spermicides because this can hide abnormal cervical cells.
- You should avoid using a tampon
- You should not have sex
Paying for the hrHPV Test
- If you are a member on a medical scheme administered by Discovery Health, you are covered for one hrHPV every 5 years, from your Screening Benefit. Members who are at high risk are eligible for a yearly Pap smear test. The consultation fee is paid from your available day-to-day benefits.
Vitality points for the hrHPV test
- You earn 2 500 Vitality points for an hrHPV test for cervical cancer if you are a female between the ages of 25 and 65.
- You will earn 2 500 Vitality points either for the hrHV test or the Pap Smear but not for both.
- If you are claiming the cost of this screening from a medical scheme administered by Discovery Health you do not need to submit proof as points will be awarded automatically. Please allow 7 days for your points to reflect.
- If not, submit proof of your screening on the Claim Vitality Points page for your points to be awarded. Please allow 48 hours for processing, you can then check that these points have been awarded on your Vitality Points Tracker.
- Visit a healthcare provider for a Pap smear once every three years. You will earn the points in the year of the screening, and at the beginning of January in the following two years.
Get started
Contact your healthcare professional to have the test done.
Get Started
Contact your healthcare professional to have the test done.
If you are not claiming the cost of your screening, assessment or vaccination from a medical scheme administered by Discovery Health you can claim your Vitality points here.
