Pap Smear in Singapore

MOH-Registered

Near MRT Stations

Same-Day Booking

Female Doctors

MOH-Registered

Near MRT Stations

Same-Day Booking

Female Doctors

Test Purpose	Screens for abnormal or precancerous changes in cervical cells to help prevent cervical cancer.
Prices	CHAS / MG / PG – From $0 to $5 Walk-In – $70.85
Clinic Locations	Orchard: 1 Orchard Blvd, Camden Medical Centre #05-09, S248649 Tanjong Pagar: 72 Anson Rd, Anson House #01-02, S079911 Jurong East: 21 Jurong Gateway Rd, CPF Jurong Service Centre #02-08, S608546 Novena: 101 Irrawaddy Rd, Royal Square Medical Centre #09-01, S329565

Screen Early, Stay Protected

Results available within 1 week for most testsResults available within 1 week for most tests

CHAS, Merdeka & Pioneer Generation subsidies availableCHAS, Merdeka & Pioneer Generation subsidies available

Board-certified doctors providing compassionate and judgement-free careBoard-certified doctors providing compassionate and judgement-free care

Comprehensive women's health screening options availableComprehensive women's health screening options available

Book Your Appointment Today

Same-day responses during business hours

Book Your Appointment Today

Same-day responses during business hours

Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim | MBChB, MMed (FM) | Board-Accredited Family Physician

MBChB, MMed (FM) | Board-Accredited Family Physician

Last updated: Apr 07, 2026

Healthcare worker holding cervical cell sampling brush for pap smear test to detect abnormal cells.

What Is a Pap Smear?

A pap smear is a screening test that checks for abnormal cells in the cervix, which could develop into cervical cancer if left untreated. It is an essential part of women's preventive health care, especially for those aged 25 to 29 who have been sexually active.

This simple test helps detect early cellular changes long before symptoms appear, allowing for timely treatment and better long-term outcomes.

Why Is a Pap Smear Important?

Pap smears help identify cervical abnormalities at an early and more treatable stage, even in women who feel completely healthy. Cervical cancer often develops silently, without obvious warning signs, making proactive screening vital.

Although HPV vaccines provide strong protection, they do not guard against every cancer-causing strain of the virus. For this reason, pap smears remain essential to detect abnormalities that vaccination alone may not prevent and to support long-term cervical health.

Pap Smear vs. HPV Test: What's the Difference?

Although both pap smears and HPV tests relate to cervical health, they serve different purposes. Their key differences include:

Difference	Pap Smear	HPV Test
Purpose	Detects abnormal or precancerous changes in cervical cells that could develop into cancer if untreated.	Identifies high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that may cause cervical cell changes or cancer.
How the Test Is Done	A soft brush or spatula is used to collect cells from the cervix, which are then examined under a microscope.	The same cervical cell sample is analysed in the laboratory to detect HPV genetic material.
Recommended Frequency	Every 3 years for women aged 25 and above with normal results.	Every 5 years for women aged 30 and above, or as advised by your doctor.

These tests are often performed together to give a more complete picture of cervical health and guide follow-up screening schedules.

Healthcare worker holding cervical cell sampling brush and speculum used during pap smear procedure.

How Is a Pap Smear Test Done?

A pap smear is a short procedure that typically takes only a few minutes. During the test:

A medical instrument called a speculum is gently inserted into the vagina to widen it for clear access to the cervix.
A soft brush or spatula is used to collect a small sample of cervical cells.
The sample is preserved and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Does a Pap Smear Hurt?

Some people experience mild discomfort during a pap smear, but it is usually brief and tolerable. The sensation is often described as a slight feeling of pressure when the instrument is inserted, followed by a mild scratch or pinch as the sample is collected. A brief abdominal cramp may also occur.

If significant pain occurs, it is important to inform your doctor so that the position or instrument can be adjusted.

Relaxing the pelvic muscles, emptying the bladder beforehand, and taking slow, deep breaths can help ease tension during the procedure. Mild cramping or light spotting afterwards is common and usually settles quickly.

How Frequently Should I Do a Pap Smear?

Woman marking calendar date at desk to schedule routine pap smear screening every three years.

Routine pap smears are recommended every three years for women aged 25 and above, even if there are no symptoms.

More frequent screening may be advised for those who have had abnormal results or other risk factors, such as previous test outcomes, medical history, or exposure to high-risk HPV strains.

When Should I Schedule My Pap Smear?

It is best to schedule your pap smear about five days after your menstrual period ends, as blood and hormonal changes can interfere with the quality of the cell sample.

Avoid booking the test during menstruation, as the presence of blood may make it harder to obtain a clear result.

How Much Does a Pap Smear Cost in Singapore?

At Singapore Women's Clinic, we provide pap smears along with other women's health-related tests. Pap smears are subsidised under Singapore's national health screening programme, Screen for Life (SFL).

Test / Vaccination	Price*
Walk-in	$70.85
CHAS Green / Non-CHAS	$5
CHAS Blue / Orange	$2
Merdeka Generation (MG) / Pioneer Generation (PG)	$0
Women's Health-Related Screening
HPV Test	From $0 depending on CHAS / MG / PG subsidies
Mammogram	$201.65
Ultrasound Breast	$141.70
Mammogram + Ultrasound Breast	$305.20
Vaccination
HPV Vaccination	From $23 depending on CHAS subsidies

*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.

Payment Options We Accept

Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, UnionPay)

NETS / PayNow / GrabPay

Cash

If you are unsure about subsidy eligibility, please contact us for more information.

How Long Does a Pap Smear Take?

A pap smear appointment typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes during off-peak hours at our clinic. You can contact us for the most suitable time to schedule your appointment.

Your results will typically be available within a week, and your doctor will call to discuss and review them, and recommend any follow-up if required.

How to Prepare for a Pap Smear?

To ensure accurate results and a smoother experience, it is important to prepare properly before your appointment.

For at least 48 hours prior to the test, avoid sexual intercourse, vaginal douching, vaginal medications, and spermicidal products such as foams, creams, or jellies. These can alter the cervical cells or interfere with the laboratory analysis.

Wearing comfortable clothing and taking a few moments to relax before the procedure can help make the process more comfortable.

There is no need to shave or wax before a pap smear, as hair removal does not affect the quality of the test or the sample collected.

Where Can I Get a Pap Smear Test Near Me?

Singapore Women's Clinic at Camden Medical Centre in Orchard

Address

1 Orchard Boulevard, #05-09, Camden Medical Centre, S248649

Parking

Camden Medical Centre Carpark

MRT Access

Orchard Boulevard (TE13): 2-minute walk

Orchard (NS22): 8-minute walk

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Sat: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Sun & PH: Closed

Singapore Women's Clinic at Anson House in Tanjong Pagar

Address

72 Anson Rd, #01-02, Anson House, S079911

Parking

Anson House Carpark

MRT Access

Tanjong Pagar (EW15): 4-minute walk

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Sat: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Sun & PH: Closed

Singapore Women's Clinic at CPF Jurong Service Centre

Address

21 Jurong Gateway Rd, #02-08, CPF Jurong Service Centre, S608546

Enter via the Office Lobby, beside POSB bank
Go straight in, take lift to level 2

Parking

Blk 132 Jurong Gateway Rd (Multi-storey Car Park)

MRT Access

Jurong East (EW24 / NS1): Exit D (5-min walk)

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Sat: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Sun & PH: Closed

Address

101 Irrawaddy Road, #09-01, Royal Square Medical Centre, S329565

MRT Access

Novena MRT (NS20): 2-minute walk

Parking

Royal Square Medical Centre Carpark

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

Address

101 Irrawaddy Road, #09-01, Royal Square Medical Centre, S329565

Parking

Royal Square Medical Centre Carpark

MRT Access

Novena (NS20): 2-minute walk

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Sat, Sun & PH: Closed

Pap Smear in Singapore

What Is a Pap Smear?

Why Is a Pap Smear Important?

Pap Smear vs. HPV Test: What's the Difference?