What is a Pap test?
A Pap test, named after Dr. George Papanicolaou who designed the test, is a screening test to collect and microscopically examine cells taken from the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) located between the bladder and the rectum. The cervix forms a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the body. With a Pap test, cells can be collected from the vagina as well as the cervix.
Who should have Pap tests?
Women should seek expert medical advice about when they should begin screening, how often they should be screened, and when they can discontinue cervical screenings, especially if they are at higher than average risk of cervical cancer due to factors such as HIV infection.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the American Cancer Society (ACS), and the American College of Obstetrics (ACOG), general guidelines include:
-Cervical cancer screening should begin approximately three years after a woman begins having sexual intercourse, but no later than at 21 years old.
-Experts recommend waiting approximately three years following the initiation of sexual activity because transient human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and cervical cell changes that are not significant are common and it takes years for a significant abnormality or cancer to develop. Cervical cancer is extremely rare in women under the age of 25.
-Women should have a Pap test at least once every three years.
-ACS and ACOG recommend annual cervical cytology screening with regular Pap tests or biannual (every two years) screening with liquid-based tests (Thinprep) until age 30. Women under age 30 have a higher likelihood than older women of acquiring high-risk types of HPV that cause premalignant cervical disease, which should be ruled out before extending the testing intervals.
-ACS and ACOG recommend that at or after age 30, women who have had three normal test results in a row may get screened every two to three years. However, women with certain risk factors such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, a weak immune system, in utero DES exposure, or a previous diagnosis of cervical cancer may need more frequent screening.
-Women 65 to 70 years of age who have had at least three normal Pap tests and no abnormal Pap tests in the last 10 years may decide, upon consultation with their healthcare provider, to stop cervical cancer screening.
-Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) do not need to undergo cervical cancer screening, unless the surgery was done as a treatment for cervical precancer or cancer.
(Other related procedures that may be used to diagnose cervical conditions include colposcopy, cervical biopsy, and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). Please see these procedures for additional information.)
Reasons for the Procedure
A Pap test, along with a pelvic examination, is an important part of a woman’s routine healthcare because it may detect abnormalities that can lead to invasive cancer. Most invasive cancers of the cervix can be detected early if women have Pap tests and pelvic examinations regularly. As with many types of cancer, cancer of the cervix is more likely to be successfully treated if it is detected early.
The Pap test is useful for detecting not only cancerous cells, but also other cervical and vaginal abnormalities including dysplasia (precancerous cells) and inflammation.
A Pap test may be used to diagnose and assist in the treatment of the following conditions in the cervix or vagina:
-inflammation
-infection
-abnormal cells
-precancerous cells
-cancer
There may be other reasons for your physician to recommend a Pap test.
Risks of the Procedure
Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to latex should notify their physician.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your physician.
There may be other risks depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure.
Certain factors or conditions may interfere with a Pap test. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
-menstruation/bleeding
-use of substances such as vaginal creams, jellies, medications, or spermicidal foams for two to three days before the Pap test, as these substances may alter the pH of the cells or hide abnormal cells
-douching for two to three days before a Pap test as douching can wash away surface cells
-vaginal intercourse within 24 hours prior to the test may cause inflammation of the tissue
-infections
-certain medications such as tetracycline
Before the Procedure
Your physician will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.
Notify your physician if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medications, latex, and tape.
Generally, no prior preparation, such as fasting or sedation, is required.
Notify your physician of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking.
Tell your physician when you had your last menstrual period, and what type of birth control or hormone therapy, if any, you are using.
Notify your physician if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should notify your physician.
You should not use vaginal medications, spermicidal foams, creams, or jellies, and do not douche for two to three days before the test or for the time specified by your physician. Avoiding sexual intercourse within 24 hours prior to the test may be recommended.
You will be asked to empty your bladder prior to the procedure.
Based upon your medical condition, your physician may request other specific preparation.
During the Procedure
Generally, a Pap test follows this process:
1.You will be asked to undress completely or from the waist down and put on a hospital gown.
2.You will lie on an examination table, with your feet and legs supported as for a pelvic examination.
3.Your physician will insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to spread the walls of the vagina apart to expose the cervix.
4.For the Pap test, cells will be gently removed from the cervical tissues and from the back of the vagina by using an endometrial brush, swab, or small wooden spatula. The cells will then be placed into a vial of liquid or smeared on a glass microscope slide.
5.If you have symptoms of a vaginal infection, vaginal secretions may be collected for testing.
6.Usually, your physician will perform a pelvic examination after the Pap test.
7.The Pap test specimen will be sent to a lab for further study.
After the Procedure
-You may rest for a few minutes after the procedure before going home. Because scraping the cervix may cause a small amount of bleeding, you may want to wear a sanitary pad for any spotting that may occur.
-Pap test results usually take a 1-2 weeks, depending on the lab. All abnormal results are called to the patient.
-Your physician may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.