Pap smear is a test to look at the sample of cells taken from the cervix. It is screening test used in gynecology to detect premalignant and malignant cancer. It involves collecting cells from cervix, the lower, narrow end of your uterus. It is microscopic examination of cells taken from cervix, the narrowest part of the uterus.

How Pap smear is done

A pap smear is done during pelvic examination. A doctor uses a device called speculum to widen the opening of the vagina so that cervix can be examined. A plastic spatula and small brush are used to collect cells from cervix. After the cells are taken, they are placed in a solution. The solution is sent to a lab for testing.

When and how often you need to undergo Pap smear. Pap smear guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American college of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

If you have certain risk factors you need to undergo pap smear annually, regardless of your age

These risk factors include

• A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a pap smear that showed precancerous cells.
• Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth.
• HIV infection.
• Weakened immune system due to organ transplant, chemotherapy or chronic corticosteroid use.

False negative results can occur in case of

• An inadequate collection of cells.
• A small number of abnormal cells.
• An inaccessible location of lesion.
• A small lesion.
• Abnormal cells mimicking benign cells.
• Blood or inflammatory cells obscuring the abnormal cells.

Tell your doctor if you have:

• Taking any medications or birth control pills.
• Have had any abnormal pap smear in the past.
• Might be pregnant.

Avoid these within 24 hours of test:

• Douching.
• Having intercourse.
• Taking a tub bath.
• Avoid scheduling the Pap smear during menstrual periods.

Pap smears may be discontinued after a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix), unless the surgery was performed for cervical pre-invasive or invasive cancer or other uterine cancers.

If the pap smear shows abnormal cells, the other confirmatory tests such as Colposcopy or biopsy is recommended.