Pap test (Papanicolaou test or Pap smear)
A Pap test is a test that looks for changes in the cells of the cervix. During the test, your doctor collects a small sample of cells from the cervix, the lower part of your uterus. The cells are sent to a lab and tested to see if they contain certain changes that could turn into cervical cancer.
When your Pap test result is "abnormal," it means that the test found some cells that don't look normal. They may not be cancer, but you may need more testing to find out for sure.
Why is a Pap test 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.
How is a Pap test done?
Before the test
You may want to empty your bladder before the exam.
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 exam 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.
Pap test: When to call
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have vaginal bleeding or pain for more than 2 days after the test. It is normal to have a small amount of bleeding for a day or two after the test.
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