What is a PAP smear?
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Dr. Jill Grimes answered:A pap smear is a test for cervical cancer. A medical professional inserts an instrument into the vagina so they can see the cervix and then uses a brush or cotton-tipped applicator to collect cells from the cervix. This specimen is sent to a cytology lab, where a cytotechnologist looks at the cells under a microscope. If any abnormalities are detected, the smear is routed to a pathologist for further evaluation.
A pap smear is a test for cervical cancer. A medical professional inserts an instrument into the vagina so they can see the cervix and then uses a brush or cotton-tipped applicator to collect cells from the cervix. This specimen is sent to a... More -
Aurora Health Care answered:The Pap test, or Pap smear, is a simple screening test for cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the narrow lower part of the uterus, which forms the opening between the uterus and the vagina. In this test, a few cells are taken from the cervix and sent to the lab to be studied. The Pap test checks for cell changes that could lead to cancer.The Pap test, or Pap smear, is a simple screening test for cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the narrow lower part of the uterus, which forms the opening between the uterus and the vagina. In this test, a few cells are taken from the... More -
Dr. Sharyn Lewin of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered:The Pap smear looks at cells taken from the surface of the cervix (the lower end of the uterus or womb connecting the vagina/birth canal to the uterus) during a routine pelvic exam. It screens for cervical cancer and no other gynecological cancer. Since it's introduction, Pap smear screening for cervical cancer has dramatically reduced the number of women developing cervical cancer as well as dying from cervical cancer.The Pap smear looks at cells taken from the surface of the cervix (the lower end of the uterus or womb connecting the vagina/birth canal to the uterus) during a routine pelvic exam. It screens for cervical cancer and no other gynecological cancer.... More -
Paula Greer answered:A pap smear is a test used to check for cervical cancer. To do the test a speculum is placed in the vagina to allow visualization of the cervix or opening of the uterus. A swab is used to get a sample from the cervix and sent to the lab to test for cancer cells. Sometimes other tests are performed on the same specimen collection like tests for the human papilloma or HPV virus, gonorrhea and chlamydial infections.
A pap smear is a test used to check for cervical cancer. To do the test a speculum is placed in the vagina to allow visualization of the cervix or opening of the uterus. A swab is used to get a sample from the cervix and sent to the lab to test for... More
