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The Papanicolaou test (abbreviated as Pap test, also known as Pap smear (AE), [1] cervical smear (BE), cervical screening (BE), [2] or smear test (BE)) is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix (opening of the uterus or womb) or, more rarely, anus (in both men and women). [3]
The procedures for testing women using Pap smear, liquid-based cytology, or HPV testing are similar. A sample of cells is collected from the cervix using a spatula or small brush. The cells are then checked for any abnormalities. [4] To take the sample of cells, the health care clinician inserts an instrument, called a speculum, inside the vagina.
Per the expert, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this—namely because how often women should get a pap smear depends on their age and gynecologic history.
Currently, the pap smear — in which cells taken from the cervix are examined by a doctor “for cervical cancer or cell changes,” per the National Cancer Institute — is the recommended ...
Depending on patient's age or Pap smear result, HPV testing may also be performed. Sexually transmitted infection screening - Depending on age and risk factors, clinicians may recommend gonorrhea or chlamydia testing at the time of the well-woman exam. This sample can be collected via a swab of the cervix or vagina.
Papanicolaou stain (also Papanicolaou's stain and Pap stain) is a multichromatic (multicolored) cytological staining technique developed by George Papanicolaou in 1942. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] The Papanicolaou stain is one of the most widely used stains in cytology , [ 1 ] where it is used to aid pathologists in making a diagnosis.
A pelvic examination is the physical examination of the external and internal female pelvic organs. [1] It is frequently used in gynecology for the evaluation of symptoms affecting the female reproductive and urinary tract, such as pain, bleeding, discharge, urinary incontinence, or trauma (e.g. sexual assault).
For example, a common application of cytopathology is the Pap smear, a screening tool used to detect precancerous cervical lesions that may lead to cervical cancer. Cytopathologic tests are sometimes called smear tests because the samples may be smeared across a glass microscope slide [ 4 ] for subsequent staining and microscopic examination.