Pap Smear
Reviewed
Also called: Pap test, cervical cytology, Papanicolaou test, Pap smear test, vaginal smear technique
A Pap smear is a test to screen for cervical cancer. If cervical cancer is found and treated early, there is a better chance it can be cured.
Specimen: Cervical cells
Why this test may be ordered
- To screen for cervical cancer or precancerous changes (dysplasia) before symptoms develop.
- Sometimes the collected cells are also checked for HPV (human papillomavirus), which causes almost all cervical cancers.
Preparation and collection
You should not have a Pap smear while you are having your period because this may affect your results. A good time to have the test is about five days after the last day of your period. For two days before your test, you should not: use tampons, use birth control foam, jelly, or cream, use other creams or medicines in your vagina, douche (rinse the vagina with water or other fluid), have vaginal sex.
Your provider will gently insert a plastic or metal instrument called a speculum into your vagina. This may cause a feeling of cramping or pressure. Your provider will then use a small, soft brush or swab to collect cells from the cervix. The cell sample is sent to a lab for examination under a microscope.
You may feel some mild discomfort during a Pap smear and have some very light bleeding afterward, but there are no known risks to having a Pap smear.
Understanding results
A Pap smear doesn't diagnose cancer. It's also possible to receive a false-positive result, in which your results appear abnormal, but there are no precancerous or cancerous cells.
- Normal or "negative": Normal or "negative" result, which usually means that no abnormal changes were found in your cervix cells. Limitation: Or you could have a false-negative, which happens when your results appear normal but there are precancer or cancerous cells. Next step: Your provider may tell you that you can wait three years for your next test.
- Abnormal or "positive": Abnormal or "positive" result, which usually means that abnormal changes were found in your cervical cells. Limitation: Most of the time, abnormal results do not mean you have cervical cancer. Minor changes in the cells usually go back to normal on their own. Next step: But your provider may recommend a follow-up test to check. If they are concerned about your results, they may perform a colposcopy.
- Unsatisfactory: Unsatisfactory results, which may mean that the lab sample did not have enough cells, or the cells may have been clumped together or hidden by mucus. Limitation: You should not have a Pap smear while you are having your period because this may affect your results. Next step: Your provider may ask you to come in for another test in a few months.
- Unclear: Unclear results, which may mean that your cells look abnormal, but it's unclear if it's due to HPV. Limitation: Unclear results could also be related to pregnancy, menopause, or an infection. Next step: An HPV test may help to find out if unclear results are due to HPV. Your provider will let you know if other tests need to be done.
- A Pap smear does not diagnose cancer. It is a screening test.
- False-positive results are possible: results appear abnormal but no precancerous or cancerous cells are present.
- False-negative results are possible: results appear normal but precancer or cancerous cells are present.
What to do next
Talk with your provider to learn what your Pap smear results mean. If they are concerned about your results, they may perform a colposcopy.
- How often should I have a Pap smear based on my age and health history?
- Should I have a Pap smear, an HPV test, or both?
- What do my results mean and what follow-up do I need?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.