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1. The Wellness Center

2. Health Resources & Topics

3. Women’s Health

   1. Gynecological Exam
   2. Pap Test
   3. Breast Self-Exam
   4. Birth Control
   5. Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Prevention
4. Women’s Health Chat
   • Basic Anatomy & Physiology
     of the Female Reproductive System
   • Exam
   • Examine Your Breast
   • Pelvic Exam
   • Pap Test
   • Bimanual Exam
   • Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
   • Contraceptives
   • Birth Control Pills
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   • Vaginal Ring
   • What Method Is Right For You?
   • Almost Done!

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   Health Resources & Topics

Pap Test

What is a Pap Test?

The Pap test (also known as the Pap smear) examines cells from the cervix, which is located at the top of the vagina. Dr. George Papanicolaou, for whom the test is named, introduced the Pap test as a screening test for cervical cancer in 1943.

Normal vaginal discharge contains cells that are shed from the cervix and uterus. Samples of these cells are taken for the Pap test. The Pap test is a way to examine cells collected from the cervix and vagina. This test can show the presence of infection, inflammation, abnormal cells, or cancer.

NOTE: The Pap test is only used to diagnose changes in cervical tissue. It is not a test for pregnancy, STDs, AIDS or vaginitis.

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Why is the Test Done?

A Pap test and pelvic exam are important parts of a woman’s routine health care because they can detect abnormalities that may lead to invasive cancer. These abnormalities can be treated before cancer develops. Most invasive cancers of the cervix can be prevented if women have Pap tests and pelvic exams regularly. In addition, as with many types of cancer, cancer of the cervix is more likely to be treated successfully if it is detected early.

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How is the Test Done?

During your gynecological exam, the medical provider will insert a speculum (a metal or plastic spoon-like instrument which looks like a shoehorn) into your vagina. This is done to keep the vagina open so the provider may get a sample of the cervical cells. Cells are collected by brushing a swab or brush against the cervical opening.

A Pap test is simple and quick. Gynecological Exams and Pap tests DO NOT HURT! The best way to describe them is uncomfortable; what you feel will be pressure, not pain.

Think of getting your annual gyn exam and pap test like you think of going to the dentist for a check-up: it is something you do to stay well, every year!

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What Happens Next?

After the test sample is collected, it is put on a glass slide and sent to the lab where it will be examined under a microscope by a person trained in the reading and interpretation of Pap tests. The results of your pap test will be sent to your provider within a week. After your results are received by the medical provider, they will be reviewed and you will be sent a letter with the results.

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Page updated: 07-Jul-2009

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