A Pap smear (also known as the Pap test) is a medical procedure in which a sample of cells from a woman's cervix (the end of the uterus that extends into the vagina) is collected and spread (smeared) on a microscope slide. The cells are examined under a microscope in order to look for pre-malignant (before-cancer) or malignant (cancer) changes.
2007-04-23 18:00:04
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answer #1
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answered by RadTech - BAS RT(R)(ARRT) 7
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A pap test or smear is a simple scrape of the cervical area of a lady. It is performed by a spatula and in older days, by use of a swab. The smeared cellular material is gently applied to a glass slide and immediately fixed by a spray fixative. The remaining material on the spatula might be then washed in a solution which is submitted for a more recently developed test known as the thin-prep test which is prepared by a machine but examined by the same laboratory that will examine the conventional smear.
Ladies are advised to commence having pap smears upon commencement of sexual activity. Depending on the country that you live in, unless any abnormal cells are detected, a repeat smear will be recommended in a certain timeframe. In Australia it is 2 years. The patient can have an earlier smear at her discretion but medicare will only rebate for 1 smear each 2 years. In England, repeat smears are now recommended each 3 years for normal patients.
The pap smear is important because it monitors the cervical transformation zone (i.e. the area where squamous cells meet glandular cells) for abnormal changes. Such abnormal changes usually take some time to develop through their biological systems. Left untreated, some but not all will progress onto frank cancer. Therefore, early detection is important. Numerous medical studies conclude that if patients are monitored over a 1 to 3 year period, the pap test will quite adequately select those patients who require further followup or alternative investigations such as biopsy and colposcopic examinations.
2007-04-25 01:34:40
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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You go to either a OBGYN or a GP. Once you start to have periods you should go get them
They stretch the vagina by putting in a device that opens you up. Then they swab your cervix for testing. If it comes back with no problems your okay. If it's abnormal, your doctor will call you and tell you why. They are very important to have. They saved me from having cervical cancer. I didn't even know it. You should get them at least once a year, just to be safe.
2007-04-23 18:07:16
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answer #3
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answered by ImissNC 3
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A pap smear test is a cytologic exam of cells that have been scraped or aspirated from a cervix and cervical os (opening).
Its done annually. lie on your back with legs open on stirrups.
They use to check for cervical cancer. If its suspicious then they order another test. they also order it before any female hormones are prescribed.
2007-04-23 18:04:23
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answer #4
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answered by stemo 3
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It's a test your OBGYN does typically once a year by inserting a metal object in your vagina. Then they use a swab to get a sample of the tissue I think and make sure everything is normal. If you relax it's not a biggie, but if you keep thinking about the metal object they're inserting inside of you, then it can be uncomfortable. Hope this helps. I would suggest talking to your mom or older sister if you have one to answer this better for you, or just asking an OBGYN to explain it properly.
2007-04-23 18:03:39
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answer #5
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answered by Coco 1
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The dr takes a long cotton swab and wipes your cervix with it to check for signs of cervical cancer. If caught early cervical cancer responds well to treatment, and without a pap smear can go undetected. All women who are sexually active should get one once a year.
2007-04-23 18:02:53
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answer #6
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answered by mimfrona 3
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They are testing for abnormal cell changes In the cervix which could become cancerous. They take a swap from your cervix, using what looks like a long cotton bud.
They are uncomfortable but generally dont last long. They are very Important.
2007-04-23 18:01:58
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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a pap test is when you have to go to a gynocologist to get your female part checked out, to make sure that you don't have cervical cancer. You definitely need to have it done, because I'm pretty sure cervical cancer is hard to detect, but it is really bad. All women should have this done.
2007-04-23 18:01:42
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answer #8
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answered by inspired.jenni 2
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It is a screening test for cancerous or atypical cells on your cervix. And, that is why you need it. Most cervical problems are not cancerous but still require treatment before they lead to more serious health problem.
2007-04-23 18:00:40
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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this is a try for cervical maximum cancers. this is important to get it completed yrly after 35-40 yrs of age. in this try, the cellular features of cervical mucosa is analysed. If it comes beneficial, different confirmatory try r completed and unfold of a similar can b comfirmed by CT test.
2016-12-16 13:58:08
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answer #10
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answered by ? 4
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