Test PAP

The PAP test, also called the Papanicolaou test, is a procedure to check for cervical pathology in women. Detecting cervical pathology through a PAP test gives you a better chance of early treatment and avoiding unpleasant situations. It can also reveal changes in cervical cells that may turn into cancer later.

Why does it happen?

A Pap smear is done to screen for cervical cancer. It is usually done in conjunction with a pelvic exam. In women over age 30, a Pap smear may be combined with a test for human papillomavirus (HPV) — a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer. In some cases, an HPV test may be done instead of a Pap smear.

What is the process?

The test is done in your doctor’s office or clinic. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes. You will lie on a table with your legs firmly in stirrups. The doctor will insert a metal or plastic instrument (speculum) into your vagina and carefully open it to widen the vaginal walls and see your cervix. The doctor will use a swab to take a sample of cells from your cervix. The sample cells will be placed in a liquid substance in a small jar and sent to a laboratory for testing. The Pap test is painless.

How often should you have a PAP test?

The Pap test should be performed from the beginning of a woman’s sexual life. It is recommended that it be performed every year until the age of 75 based on diagnostic protocols.

Are there any risks to the test?
You may experience mild discomfort during the procedure, but there are no known risks to a Pap test.

How accurate are the results?
Pap smears are very accurate. Regular Pap smears reduce cervical cancer rates and mortality by at least 80 percent. It may be uncomfortable, but the brief discomfort can help protect your health.

Is a Pap test done to check for HPV?
The main purpose of a Pap test is to detect cell changes in the cervix that could be caused by HPV. By detecting cervical cancer cells early with a Pap test, treatment can be started before they spread and become a bigger concern. It is also possible to test for HPV with a Pap test.

The test does not detect other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It may occasionally detect cellular growth that suggests other cancers, but it should not be relied upon for this purpose.