How Much Is Hpv Test In Nigeria
Unmasking the Price of Protection: Unveiling the Cost of HPV Tests in Nigeria
-
AuthorDear Madam, for a basic cervical cancer screening we recommend an LBC test which is very similar to that of a traditional pap smear – just more accurate. This would cost you N10,000. If the results are positive for HPV or you would like to do the advanced LBC + HPV DNA testing at the cost of N55,000. This also includes genotyping. Would you like to book an appointment?
1. Delving into the Price Spectrum: Unraveling the Cost of HPV Testing in Nigeria
When it comes to HPV testing in Nigeria, one cannot overlook the significance of understanding the price spectrum associated with it. With numerous options available, both public and private, it is essential to unravel the costs involved in order to make an informed decision. Here, we delve into the fascinating world of pricing, laying out the different factors that contribute to the overall expense.
Understanding the cost of HPV testing in Nigeria requires a careful examination of various elements. Let’s start with the type of healthcare facility chosen. Public healthcare centers tend to offer more affordable options, sometimes even providing free testing for individuals who meet certain criteria. On the other hand, private clinics and hospitals generally charge higher fees due to the quality of the facilities and additional services offered. Moreover, the type of HPV test selected impacts the price as well. While the conventional Pap smear test remains a popular choice, newer and more advanced methods such as the HPV DNA test or the VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) test may have varying costs associated with them.
2. Cost Considerations: Shedding Light on the Price Tag of HPV Tests in Nigeria
A pap smear, which is also called a Pap test, is a technique to test for cervical cancer in females. This test is used to detect the presence of cancerous cells in the cervix. Usually, a Pap smear involves amassing cells from your cervix, the narrow end of your uterus seat just at the top of your vagina.
Pap smear is really important as detecting cervical cancer timely gives the patient a better chance at a cure. With the importance of pap smear already widely appreciated, this post takes a look at how much the process goes for in Nigeria today.
Cost of Pap Smear Test in Nigeria
The overall cost of pap smear in Nigeria is dependent on some core factors, which usually includes the location of the clinic or hospital, the type of hospital and other similar factors. Generally, Pap smear is not expensive.
On the average, cost of complete pap test vary between N3,500 – N8,000 depending on the factors already stated above. Usually, this test is more expensive in private facilities compared to federal institutions.
What is Pap Smear?
Pap tests, which is usually called Pap smears, are very vital tests that help discover abnormal cells on the cervix that could potentially lead to cervical cancer. The test helps discover cell changes triggered by HPV, although they don’t detect HPV.
Pap tests is always advised to be a part of women’s regular check-up. During a Pap test, the medical doctor or nurse inserts a metal or plastic speculum into the vagina. The speculum releases up to separate the walls of the vagina to allow them get into the cervix. A small sampler, usually a tiny spatula or brush, is then inserted to mildly collect cells from the cervix. The cells are then sent to a lab for adequate testing.
Pap tests usually take a few minutes. They do not hurt, but in some cases, patients have complained about feeling some discomfort or pressure when the doctor or nurse releases the speculum inside them. Some also complain of feeling a light itching when they take cells from the cervix.
After the Pap smear, the patient can continue their daily activities without restrictions. Based on the type of Pap testing the patient is undergoing, the medical doctor moves the cell sample gathered from the cervix into a ampule containing a special liquid to preserve the cell sample, this process is the liquid-based Pap test. The doctor could also collect the sample into a glass slide, this is known as conventional Pap smear. The samples are then moved to a lab where they are observed under a microscope to inspect for basic characteristics in the cells that could show cancer or a precancerous condition. Patient can always ask the medical doctor when to expect the result of the test.
How Often Should One take Pap Smear?
Generally, medical doctors and practitioners recommend iterating Pap testing every three years for women between the ages of 21 and 65. Women older 30 years are advised to consider taking the Pap testing every five years, especially if the process is combined with testing for HPV. If patients have some risk factors, the doctor could recommend more frequent Pap smears, irrespective of the age of the patient. Some of these risk factors include:
- A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a Pap smear that exposed precancerous cells.
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth
- HIV infection
- Debilitated immune system due to cases like organ transplant, chemotherapy or lingering corticosteroid use
- A history of smoking
It is important for the patient and the doctor to discuss the pros and cons of Pap smears and agree on which is best based on the patient’s risk factors.
Reporting Pap Smear Result
A pap test result may either be normal or abnormal, depending on the presence or absence of cancerous cells in the cervix. An abnormal pap test result does not necessarily indicate the patient has cancer, it only suggests there could be traces of cancerous cells and a need to do further test. The doctor could then recommend the patient takes the pap test more often and could also request for a procedure known as colposcopy.
With this procedure, the doctor will use light and intensification to loo through the cervix and examine it better and may take a biopsy, this is usually a small part of your cervical tissue for further testing. It should be noted that the Pap smear results are 80 percent accurate and are not a hundred percent.
Risks Associated With Pap Snear
Generally, a Pap smear is a harmless way to screen for cervical cancer. Nevertheless, a Pap smear is not completely perfect as there are risk associated with the process. It is possible to have false-negative results — which could mean that the test shows no abnormality, although the patient has some traces of abnormal cells.
