subject: Pap Smear Test [print this page] Pap Smear Test Pap Smear Test
The Papanicolau test, also known by many as Pap smear test, is a test to detect cancer in the ectocervix. Cervical cancer can be detected and prevented with this process. The test was invented by a Greek doctor Georgios Papanikolau.
A tool is used to gather cells form the outer of the cervix. The cells are examined for abnormalities using a microscope. The test can detect pre-cancerous changes which are usually caused by sexual transmission.
It is recommended to have a regular Pap smear test for females who had sex. It can be done annually or every five years. The test may be repeated within a year if there are abnormalities observed. Coloscopy can be done if the test needs to further examination. Other times DPV DNA testing can be done to examine the cells.
Pap smear screening
The screening varies for each country. Screening can start at an age of 20 or 25 and can be continued until 60. The screening is also useless for women who had not have sex.
Women should have the screening after three years from their first intercourse. The infection can be control by a woman's body fro up to four years. Screen as early as one year after intercourse can lead up to further tests which can be stressful to the woman. Cervical cancer takes time to develop, so no need to worry about delaying the test as it doesn't have high risk.
Pap smear procedure
During menstruation, you should not have Pap smear test. It can still be done during menstruation if the doctor is using a liquid based test. If there is too much bleeding it, the cells may not be readable.
Cramps and spotting may be experienced after the procedure. The procedure may have no pain or very painful depending to the patients' mindset.
A speculum is inserted in the vagina to gain access to the cervix. Samples are then collected from the outer opening of the cervix using a spatula called Aylesbury spatula and endocervical brush. The cells are examined for abnormalities in the laboratory. The sample is stained with tinctorial dyes. The stains are selected to highlight cytoplastims keratinization. A computer system can also screen the slides to indicate those that do not need to be examined or checked. A cytotechnologist examines the cells under a light microscope.
Pap smear can be done in several processes, the conventional cytology, liquid based monolayer cytology, human papillomavirus testing and the automated analysis.
Pap smear results
Abnormal results are mildly abnormal which is 2-5% of pap results, or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) (about 2% of results)), indicating HPV infection. Most low grade doesn't develop to cervical cancer. Atypical results have increased as liquid-based testing has become more common.
Endocervical abnormalities can be detected as well as simplex virus, herpes, yeast and trichomoniasis.
Effectiveness of the Pap Smear Test
Since Pap smear has been introduced, death caused by cervical cancer has significantly reduced. Pap Smear Test would only fail if there is no follow up or interpretation error.
