pap test

test overview

a pap test is done to look for changes in the cells of the cervix. during a pap test, a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix is collected by your doctor. the sample is then spread on a slide (pap smear) or mixed in a liquid fixative (liquid-based cytology) and sent to a lab for examination under a microscope. the cells are examined for abnormalities that may point to abnormal cell changes, such as dysplasia or cervical cancer.

the recommended pap test schedule is based on your age and on things that increase your risk. talk to your doctor about how often to have this test.

cervical cancer is often caused by a high-risk type of the human papillomavirus (hpv). talk to your doctor about getting the hpv shots to prevent infection with the types of hpv that are most likely to cause cervical cancer.

why it is done

a pap test is done to look for changes in the cells of the cervix. finding these changes and treating them when needed will greatly lower your chance of getting cervical cancer.

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how to prepare

• try to schedule the test when you're not having your period, since blood can interfere with the results of the test. if your bleeding is light, you may still be able to have a pap test.
• do not use douches, tampons, vaginal medicines, sprays, or powders for at least 24 hours before your test.
• some doctors recommend that you avoid sex for 24 hours before a pap test.
• if you've had problems with pelvic examinations in the past or have any concerns about having the test, tell your doctor.

how it is done

before the test

you may want to empty your bladder before the examination.

you will need to take off your clothes below the waist and drape a paper or cloth covering around your waist. you will then lie on your back on an examination table with your feet and legs supported by footrests.

during the test

the doctor will place a speculum into your vagina. it opens the vagina a little bit. this allows the inside of the vagina and the cervix to be examined.

your doctor will collect several samples of cells from your cervix using a cotton swab, a brush, or a small spatula. cells are collected from the visible part of the cervix as well as from its opening. if you don't have a cervix, cells from the vagina are collected if a pap test is needed. the cells are smeared on a slide or mixed in a liquid fixative and sent to a lab to be looked at under a microscope.

how it feels

you may feel some pressure or mild discomfort when the speculum is placed in your vagina. you may also feel some pressure when the sample of cervical cells is being collected.

risks

there is very little chance of a problem from having a pap test. you may have a small amount of vaginal bleeding after this test. and you may want to use a pad or panty liner to protect your clothes from any spotting.

results

• a normal result means that the test did not find any abnormal cells in the sample.
• an abnormal result can mean many things. most of these are not cancer. the results of your test may be abnormal because:
  • you have an infection of the vagina or cervix, such as a yeast infection.
  • you have low estrogen levels after menopause that are causing the cells to change.
  • you have cell changes that may be a sign of precancer or cancer. the results are ranked based on how serious the changes might be.

if the results were abnormal, you may need to have other tests. if the results show changes that could be a sign of cancer, you may need a test called a colposcopy, which provides a more complete view of the cervix.

sometimes the lab cannot use the sample because it does not contain enough cells or was not preserved well. if so, you may need to have the test again. this is not common, but it does happen from time to time.