Pap test, Cervical smear

General information:

A Pap smear (PAP test) is a medical examination for the early detection and diagnosis of cervical cancer. This type of cancer is the only malignant tumor with a proven viral etiology. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

In modern diagnostics, combining cervical cytology with a DNA test to detect the presence of a high-risk type of HPV increases the effectiveness of prophylactic studies for cervical cancer.

Liquid-based cytology is the first real improvement of the traditional Pap smear and is the modern gold standard in cervical cytology. This new test provides a new level of reliability and precision of the results obtained. It can be applied instead of the routine procedure or as an adjunct to it, especially after results showing suspicious or precancerous changes. It is also suitable after manipulations on the cervix – restoration of ruptures, conization, diathermocoagulation, cryodestruction, etc.

The advantages of liquid-based cytology over standard Pap smear are higher precision in the diagnosis of intraepithelial lesions, a greater degree of precision in the diagnosis of high-grade lesions of the genital tract, reduces the number of misinterpreted Pap smears, reduces the number of falsely negative results, improves cervical sampling, allows for additional tests, such as detection and genotyping of HPV and screening for sexually transmitted diseases.

The most suitable period for examination is between 10 and 14 days of the menstrual cycle. Two days before the test, it is necessary to avoid: sexual contacts, lubricants, vaginal lavages /vaginal douche, vaginal contraceptives, vaginal globules/.

Sample required:

Cervical secretion, by a specialist doctor

Key words:

pap test, cervical smear