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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]
It's an important screening tool for cervical cancer. For premium support please call: 800-290-4726 more ways to reach us
However, it is acceptable to screen this age group with a Pap smear alone every 3 years or with an FDA-approved primary high risk HPV test every 5 years. [11] In women over the age of 65, screening for cervical cancer may be discontinued in the absence of abnormal screening results within the prior 10 years and no history of high-grade lesions ...
Samples for screening tests may be collected during the pelvic exam. These screening tests include: Cervical cancer screening - A Pap smear and/or HPV testing may be performed as a screening test for cervical cancer. [18] The procedure begins by gently scraping or sampling the cells of the cervix using a special spatula, brush or swab.
The task force has introduced a recommendation that women over the age of 30 test for high-risk human papilloma viruses (HPV) every five years rather than relying on pap smears to detect cervical ...
However, “a good rule of thumb is that women ages 21-29 should get a pap test every three years [and] women older than that continue getting paps every three years or choose to space out testing ...
A Pap test may be performed according to guidelines, and testing for Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis may be performed as indicated. [24] A bimanual examination during early pregnancy will reveal that the uterus is enlarged, softened and globular; the external os may be dilated, but the internal os is typically closed. [ 24 ]
In a pap smear, a gynecologist uses a speculum to open the walls of the vagina, and then uses an instrument to collect cells from the cervix. As the Mayo Clinic notes, it “may feel uncomfortable.