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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]
Screening is recommended for women between ages 21 and 65, regardless of age at sexual initiation or other high-risk behaviors. [17] [18] [19] For healthy women aged 21–29 who have never had an abnormal Pap smear, cervical cancer screening with cervical cytology (Pap smear) should occur every 3 years, regardless of HPV vaccination status. [11]
A systematic review of studies until September 2006 concluded that the examination does result in better delivery of some other screening interventions (such as Pap smears, cholesterol screening, and faecal occult blood tests) and less patient worry. [2] Evidence supports several of these individual screening interventions.
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 Bethesda system (TBS), officially called The Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology, is a system for reporting cervical or vaginal cytologic diagnoses, [1] used for reporting Pap smear results. It was introduced in 1988 [2] and revised in 1991, [3] 2001, [1] [4] [5] and 2014. [6]
Cusco's speculum is usually 80 millimeters (3.1 in) long and 22 millimeters (0.87 in) broad. However, smaller and larger sizes are available. Cusco's speculum is used for introducing an intrauterine contraceptive device, taking a Pap smear, cauterization of vaginal erosion, and colposcopic examination. [3]
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.
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.