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What happens when my healthcare provider collects my sample
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Publication date:
Date last updated:
Publication type:
Procedure
Audience:
General public
Language:
English
Description:
What happens when my healthcare provider collects my sample:
- You’ll be in a private space with your healthcare provider – usually a doctor, nurse, or healthcare worker.
- You will be asked to remove your clothes below the waist and lie on your back. You will be given a sheet to cover yourself.
- The doctor or nurse will use a device called a speculum, to make it easier to access your cervix.
- They will then take a small sample of cells from your cervix using a soft brush. It may feel uncomfortable but should not hurt. If it hurts, tell your healthcare provider straight away.
- Your healthcare provider will send the sample to a pathology laboratory to be tested.
- The pathology laboratory will test your sample and send the results to your healthcare provider.
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