What is a Pap smear?

Posted by editor2 on Monday 06 Apr 2009

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Pap smear is a medical procedure in which a sample of secretions and superficial cells of the uterine cervix and uterus; examined with a microscope to look for pre-malignant or malignant cancer changes. The test looks for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix that could find out a precancerous condition or cervical cancer.

A Pap smear is not a symptomatic test, but a screening tool. Screening tests trace abnormalities when the patient has no symptoms, while a symptomatic test helps identify the cause of symptoms in the form of a diagnosis of illness or disease. The Pap smear is suitable to identify women who are at high risk of developing cervical cancer. Since it is not regarded as a diagnostic tool, it is essential that women have one regularly.

In many cases, cervical cancer is a slow progressing disease. It can take years for precancerous cells to change into cancer. This is the reason why, having a regular Pap smear is so important for women. The Pap smear is an essential test that can detect cervical cancer, or changes in cells that could become cancerous. Vital for all women, the Pap smear is to be performed on a regular basis.

Precautions
Prior to the test, there are certain precautions that you should take in order for your pap smear to come back accurate. Do not douche, insert a tampon, have intercourse, or bathe in the tub, 24 hours prior to taking the Pap smear test. These factors can actually affect your results and can produce false abnormalities.

Plan your test
Plan your pap around your menstrual cycle. During your menstrual cycle, blood and endometrial cells can prohibit the accuracy of the test as well. Do not hide from your doctor if you are on birth control or are pregnant. This can also affect how the test is performed.