The PAP (Papanicolaou) Smear test is used for detecting cervical cancer. It detects the presence of cancerous or precancerous cells on the cervix. The test can also be used to detect certain inflammation and infections. During the Pap smear test, cells are collected from the cervix, vagina, and the narrow lower end of the uterus at the top of the vagina. This test is usually done along with a pelvic exam. A pap smear looks for abnormal cell changes on the cervix that may lead to cancer. The test also detects precancers that are caused by human papillomavirus. Human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer in some women. Only certain strains of HPV are linked to cervical cancer. 

What is the PAP (Papanicolaou) Smear test?

The PAP (Papanicolaou) Smear test is used for detecting cervical cancer. It detects the presence of cancerous or precancerous cells on the cervix. The test can also be used to detect certain inflammation and infections. During the Pap smear test, cells are collected from the cervix, vagina, and the narrow lower end of the uterus at the top of the vagina. This test is usually done along with a pelvic exam. A pap smear looks for abnormal cell changes on the cervix that may lead to cancer. The test also detects precancers that are caused by human papillomavirus. Human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer in some women. Only certain strains of HPV are linked to cervical cancer.

Most people with abnormal PAP smear test results do not have cancer. But you must get the follow-up care recommended by your healthcare provider if you have an abnormal test result. For people with abnormal Pap smears, HPV testing plus a Pap smear will be needed every three years for 25 years after the increased screening period. This is because cervical cancer risk with these findings persists for 25 years.

What is the purpose of the PAP (Papanicolaou) Smear Test? 

The PAP (Papanicolaou) Smear test checks for cervical cancer. It can also be used to detect potentially precancerous cells in your cervix. This test can also detect HPV, a common sexually transmitted disease that can lead to cervical cancer in women. You should get a Pap test at age 21. If the result is normal, your healthcare provider may tell you to wait for three years until your next Pap test.

What does the PAP (Papanicolaou) Smear Test Diagnose?

The Pap (Papanicolaou) Smear test is used to detect precancerous conditions of the cervix and cervical cancer. If in the Pap test, a precancerous condition is detected, your healthcare provider may remove or treat the abnormal tissues to prevent cervical cancer. If a Pap test identifies cervical cancer in its early stages, the doctor may treat and cure it before it can spread to other areas. Most women aged 21 to 65 should get Pap (Papanicolaou) Smear test as part of routine health care. You should get regular Pap tests even if you are not sexually active, have gone through menopause, or got the HPV vaccine.

The Pap (Papanicolaou) Smear test can also identify vaginal inflammation and infection.  

Why Do You Need a PAP (Papanicolaou) Smear Test? 

You need a Pap (Papanicolaou) Smear test if you have signs of cervical cancer, including vaginal bleeding after menopause or sexual intercourse, pain in the pelvic region, an unusual discharge from the vagina, bowel movement, problems urinating, and pain during sex. If you’re 21 years and older, you must get Pap smears after every three to five years until you are 65. The doctor may order a Pap (Papanicolaou) Smear test if you have a history of cervical cancer or abnormal cells. People with a compromised immune system should also get a Pap (Papanicolaou) Smear test.

Preparation and procedure required for the PAP (Papanicolaou) Smear Test 

If you’re getting a Pap (Papanicolaou) Smear test, avoid douching and intercourse. You should also avoid using spermicidal foam, vaginal lubricants, or vaginal medicines for 2 days before the test. Ensure the vaginal area is clean before you undergo this test. Let the provider know if you have never had sexual intercourse or a Pap smear. If you had sex before this test, you must inform your doctor. You should also avoid this test if you’re menstruating.  

During the Pap (Papanicolaou) Smear test, the technician will ask you to lie on the examination table in a relaxed position with your knees up. You’ll have to place your feet in stirrups on the sides of the table and scoot your bottom so that it reaches the end of the table. Now the healthcare provider will place a plastic or metal speculum in your vagina to hold it open. Then they will scrape off some of the mucus and cells on your cervix using a swab. You may experience a period like cramping or pinching sensation during this test. But the cramping or sensation will resolve on its own after a few hours. The sample will be sent to the laboratory for detailed analysis under a microscope. The healthcare provider may also order an HPV test after analyzing the results of the PAP smear test.  

Understanding the PAP (Papanicolaou) Smear Test results 

Negative or normal Pap (Papanicolaou) Smear test results mean there are no abnormal cells on your cervix. It also confirms that there are no irregularities or evidence of any disease.  

If you have received abnormal Pap (Papanicolaou) Smear test results, it doesn’t always mean you have cancer. Abnormal results indicate your cervix has abnormal cell changes. They can be minor or advanced. Further testing may be needed to check if you have cervical cancer. Minor changes can be due to HPV, infection, or inflammation. The abnormal cells return to normal with mild treatment.  

If the Pap (Papanicolaou) Smear test results are inconclusive, you may have to undergo another test. Unclear results may be due to menopause, pregnancy, or infections.