Pap smear question?

Question

I heard about something they use now for pap smears which is more effective in finding anything abnormal. It has something to do with liquid. They say it's the most effective and to ask for the ob-gyn to use it. Does anyone know what it is called ?


Thanks !

Answer 1

It's a lab technique, not an exam technique. The doctor still uses a standard swab, but stores it in a special vial with liquid (usually alcohol). The liquid makes it easier for the lab technician to identify all forms of HPV, even the low-risk ones (because low risk doesn't mean risk-free)
The test is called liquid based monolayer cytology, and the most common types are Sure Path and Thin-Prep.

Answer 2

Prostate answer! ;)