Pap Smear Singapore from $60
Pap smear (Thin Prep) is the standard screening test for cervical cancer, the 3rd most common cancer in Singapore women. Mediway Medical Centre offers pap smear at $60, or the more comprehensive Pap + HPV co-test at $220 (recommended for women aged 30+ per Singapore HPB guidelines). Takes 5-10 minutes. Same-day appointments usually available.
Thin Prep test
Recommended for women 30+
Quick procedure
By phone/WhatsApp
Per Singapore HPB
Clarke Quay MRT
What is a pap smear?
A pap smear (or "Pap test") is a cervical cancer screening procedure. A small sample of cells is collected from the cervix using a soft brush, then sent to a laboratory to check for abnormal cellular changes, including pre-cancerous changes and early cancer.
Cervical cancer is almost always caused by persistent HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection. Pap smears catch cellular changes years before they become cancer, when they're easily treatable. Combined with HPV vaccination, regular pap screening has reduced cervical cancer rates by more than 70% globally since the 1970s.
Mediway uses the Thin Prep liquid-based cytology method, the current standard, which is more accurate than the older conventional pap smear technique.
For broader HPV context (strains, cancer links, vaccination), see our HPV guide.
Singapore cervical cancer screening guidelines
Singapore's Health Promotion Board (HPB) recommends the following screening schedule for women who have ever been sexually active.
Pap smear every 3 years
HPV DNA testing is not routine in this age group as transient HPV infections are very common and usually clear naturally. Pap alone is sufficient.
Pap + HPV co-test every 5 years
Combined testing catches both cellular changes AND high-risk HPV, the most sensitive approach. Pap + HPV co-test is the preferred option. Pap alone every 3 years is acceptable if co-test isn't available.
Screening typically stops
If prior screening has been consistently negative and no ongoing risk factors exist, routine screening can stop. Discuss with your doctor.
Earlier or more frequent screening may be recommended if you have: previous abnormal results, immunosuppression (including HIV), DES exposure in-utero, prior cervical cancer/precancer treatment, or multiple sexual partners with inconsistent protection.
Pricing
Transparent pricing at Mediway. No additional consultation fee needed if you know you want the test.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Pap Smear (Thin Prep): cervical screening alone | $60 |
| Pap Smear + HPV DNA co-test: recommended for 30+ | $220 |
| Consultation (optional, if you want guidance) | $38 |
All prices inclusive of GST. Co-test sample is collected in a single visit, with one swab processed for both pap and HPV DNA.
What to expect at your visit
Check in
Private reception at The Riverwalk basement. Bring photo ID.
Brief pre-test
Doctor asks about last period, pregnancy status, and any prior abnormal results. Takes 2-3 min.
Sample collection
Female doctor performs the test in private room. Speculum + soft brush. Briefly uncomfortable, rarely painful.
Results
3-7 working days by phone, WhatsApp, or email. We discuss next steps if anything is flagged.
Preparation checklist
- Schedule when not menstruating, ideally 10-14 days before your expected period
- Avoid vaginal intercourse, douching, tampons, or spermicide for 48 hours before the test
- Wear a skirt on the day for convenience
- Total visit time: typically 15-20 minutes
Understanding your pap smear results
Pap smear results fall into three broad categories. An "abnormal" result does not mean cancer.
Negative (normal)
No abnormal cells detected. Continue routine screening per your age-based schedule (3 or 5 years).
ASCUS / LSIL (borderline)
Minor cellular changes, often related to transient HPV, usually resolve on their own. We may recommend repeat pap in 6-12 months, or co-test for HPV.
HSIL / AGC (higher-grade)
More significant cellular changes that warrant specialist evaluation. We refer to a gynaecologist for colposcopy (closer examination of the cervix, with biopsy if needed).
Mediway does not perform colposcopy. This is a specialist gynaecology procedure. We handle counselling, repeat testing for low-grade changes, and referral co-ordination. We work with trusted gynaecology partners for patients who need further investigation.
Why regular pap screening matters
- Cervical cancer is highly preventable: more than any other cancer, regular screening catches cellular changes years before they develop into cancer.
- Asymptomatic in early stages: you cannot rely on symptoms. By the time bleeding, pain, or discharge appear, cancer may already be advanced.
- Early treatment is simple: pre-cancerous lesions can be treated with minor procedures; early cancer has >90% five-year survival.
- Late detection is deadly: advanced cervical cancer has <30% five-year survival. Screening is the single most effective way to prevent this.
- Vaccination + screening together reduce cervical cancer risk by over 95%.
If you've never had a pap smear or it's been more than 3-5 years since your last one, consider booking. For most women, 5-10 minutes every few years is all it takes to stay protected.
Your privacy, fully protected
Pap smear visits are sensitive for many women. Privacy is protected end-to-end.
- Private examination roomFemale doctor performs the test in a private examination room, with no one else present.
- No records shared by defaultPap smear and HPV test results are not shared with MOH, insurers, or employers unless you request it.
- Self-pay optionPay privately to keep the visit entirely outside insurance systems.
- Digital result deliveryPhone, WhatsApp, or secure email, whichever you prefer.
- PDPA-compliant handlingData managed per Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act. See our full Privacy Policy.
Frequently asked questions
01 How much does a pap smear cost at Mediway?
02 Who should get a pap smear in Singapore?
03 When should I stop getting pap smears?
04 Is a pap smear painful?
05 What do I do if my pap smear is abnormal?
06 Do I need a pap smear if I'm vaccinated against HPV?
07 Can I get a pap smear during my period?
08 How fast are pap smear results?
Book your pap smear
5-10 minutes every few years is all it takes to protect yourself from cervical cancer.
Directions
Located in central Singapore, just a 2-minute walk from Clarke Quay MRT.
Mon–Fri before 5/6pm: $2.00 for 1st hr, $1.00 for next subsequent 30min from 7am to 5pm
Mon–Fri after 5/6pm: $3.21/entry from 5pm to 7am the following day
Sat: $2.00 for 1st hr, $1.00 for next subsequent 30min from 7am to 5pm, $3.21/entry from 5pm to 7am the following day
Sun/PH: $3.21/entry from 7am to 7am the following day
Exit E. 2-minute walk along the river towards The Riverwalk building. We are at #B1-26/29.