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Collecting cells from the cervix for testing
- 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.
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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
cervical cancer is very rare in people under 25; it might...
- Results
What your cervical screening results mean. Your cervical...
- What Happens at Your Appointment
During cervical screening a small sample of cells is taken...
- Why It's Important
Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect...
- How to Book
Booking a cervical screening appointment. You'll be sent an...
- What is Cervical Screening
All women aged 25 to 64 are invited by letter to cervical...
- When You'll Be Invited
If you have abnormal cells in your cervix, which could mean you have cervical cancer, you'll usually be referred for a test to have a closer look at your cervix. This is called a colposcopy. You'll be asked to undress from the waist down, behind a screen.
- 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.
Oct 30, 2019 · A Pap test is sometimes called a Pap smear. It can be done along with a HPV test during a pelvic exam as part of cervical cancer screening for people with no symptoms. Or, it can be done as a follow-up test for an abnormal (positive) HPV test or if someone has symptoms that are suspicious for cervical cancer.
During cervical screening a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix for testing. It's usually done by a female nurse or doctor. Before starting, they should explain what will happen during the test and answer any questions you have. See what the cervix is. See what a speculum and brush may look like. How cervical screening is done.
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In cervical screening (a smear test), a nurse or doctor will take a sample of your cells and test this for high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV infections are really common and most people get HPV at some point in their lives.
Oct 26, 2023 · The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. Both tests can be done in a doctor's office or clinic.
