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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]
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 ...
The test can be used to complement a pap smear in screening of cervical cancer. A negative speculoscopy, along with a negative pap smear provides greater assurance of absence of disease. [citation needed] It was developed in 1988. [1] It was FDA approved as an add-on to Pap smear screening in 1995. [1]
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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 ...
The procedure begins by gently scraping or sampling the cells of the cervix using a special spatula, brush or swab. Some women experience temporary bleeding from this procedure. The scrapings are placed on a slide, covered with a fixative for later examination under a microscope to determine if they are normal or abnormal. [ 19 ]
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]
Pap stain. Gynaecologic cytology, also gynecologic cytology, is a field of pathology concerned with the investigation of disorders of the female genital tract. [1] The most common investigation in this field is the Pap test, which is used to screen for potentially precancerous lesions of the cervix.