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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
Women under 21 do not need to get pap smears and women over age 30 should only wait five years between testing if the pap test is combined with HPV testing. ... or two negative co-test results ...
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 ...
The test manufactured by Qiagen for a low cost per test with results available in only a few hours may allow reduction in use of annual Pap smears. The test has been shown to work "acceptably well" on women who take the swabs themselves rather than allowing a physician to test.
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.
Alternatively, people between the ages of 30 and 65 can also undergo a Pap smear every three years or get a combined HPV and Pap test every five years, according to the recommendations.
The Pap test is still widely used as a means of early cancer detection and is estimated to have reduced fatalities caused by cancer of the reproductive systems in women by half. [10] By some accounts, the pap test is considered the most significant advance in the control of cancer in the 20th century.