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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]
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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]
The Pap test can be used as a screening test, but produces a false negative in up to 50% of cases of cervical cancer. [ 56 ] [ 57 ] Other concerns is the cost of doing Pap tests, which make them unaffordable in many areas of the world.
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.
Tests and detailed examination are used to determine the cause of the bleeding: a pregnancy test; a pelvic examination [12] obtaining tissue samples; pap smear; colposcopic examination of the vagina and cervix; ultrasound; histogram; cultures for bacteria [13] biopsy of tissues [4] A referral may be made to a specialist. [12] [16] Imaging may ...