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What does a Pap smear look for?
Can a Pap smear test detect cancer?
What does an abnormal Pap smear result mean?
What is a Pap test used for?
Cervical screening, which used to be called smear test, is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. It's offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64.
- When You'll Be Invited
When you'll be invited for cervical screening; Age When...
- Results
a different test to look at your cervix (a colposcopy) There...
- What Happens at Your Appointment
See what a speculum and brush may look like A speculum...
- Why It's Important
you've had the HPV vaccine – it does not protect you from...
- How to Book
Do let them know if you'd like a woman to do the test – most...
- What is Cervical Screening
All women aged 25 to 64 are invited by letter to cervical...
- When You'll Be Invited
- Overview
- Why It's Done
- Risks
- How You Prepare
- What You Can Expect
- Results
A Pap smear is a procedure that involves collecting cells from the cervix for testing. It also is called a Pap test. Healthcare professionals sometimes call it cervical cytology. A Pap test is often used to look for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the ...
A Pap smear looks for cervical cancer. It's one option for cervical cancer screening in anyone who has a cervix. A Pap smear also is called a Pap test. The Pap test usually is done at the same time as a pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, a healthcare professional checks the reproductive organs. Sometimes the Pap test may be combined with a test for...
A Pap smear is a safe way to screen for cervical cancer. Still, a Pap smear, also called a Pap test, isn't always accurate. It's possible to receive a false-negative result. This means that cancer cells or other concerning cells are present, but the test doesn't find them. A false-negative result doesn't mean that a mistake was made. A false-negati...
To ensure that your Pap smear is most effective, follow your healthcare professional's instructions about how to prepare. Before a Pap smear, also called a Pap test, you may be asked to: 1. Avoid intercourse, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a Pap test. These may wash away o...
During the test
A Pap smear is performed in a healthcare professional's office. A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, typically takes only a few minutes. You may be asked to undress completely or only from the waist down. You'll lie down on your back on an exam table with your knees bent. Your heels rest in footrests called stirrups. Your healthcare professional will gently put an instrument called a speculum into your vagina. The speculum holds the walls of your vagina apart so that your cervix is easily see...
After the test
After your Pap test, you can go about your day as usual. Ask your healthcare professional when you can expect the results of your test.
Pap smear results may be ready in 1 to 3 weeks. Ask your healthcare professional when you can expect the results of your Pap smear, which is also called a Pap test.
Aug 19, 2024 · A Pap smear (also called a Pap test) screens for cervical cancer. The test checks for abnormal cells on your cervix that are cancerous or have the potential to become cancerous and may also detect certain infections and inflammation.
Mar 29, 2024 · A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is an exam a doctor uses to find out if you have cervical cancer. The test can also see changes in your cervical cells that may turn into cancer later.
Jul 10, 2023 · A Pap smear (or Pap test) is quick and does not usually hurt. A Pap test is used to screen for cervical cancer . A provider can look at cells from your cervix under a microscope and check for abnormal changes in the cells ( cervical dysplasia ) and precancerous or cancerous cells.
Sep 27, 2021 · A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on your cervix. The cervix is the opening...
Oct 30, 2019 · What does a Pap smear test for? A Pap test is a procedure used to collect cells from the cervix (lower part of the uterus) so they can be looked at closely in a lab under a microscope. It tests for changes in cells that might be pre-cancers or cancer.
