Papanicolaou Test
(Pap Smear)
Definition
▪ The Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) is a widely known
cytologic test for early detection of cervical cancer. The can
also be used to detect cancerous cells of the breast, lung,
stomach, and renal system. A physician or specifically
trained nurse scrapes secretions from the patient’s cervix
and spreads them on a slide, which is sent to the laboratory
for cytologic analysis.
▪ An alternative method is to use the Thin Prep preservative
solution rather than a slide. The Thin Prep was introduced
in 1996 and allows testing for malignancy cells from the
cervix and shows the cell maturity, metabolic activity, and
morphology variations.
▪ The American Cancer Society recommends a Pap test every
3 years for women between ages 20 and 40 who aren’t in a
high-risk category and who have had negative results from
three previous Pap tests. Yearly tests (or tests at physician-
, recommended intervals) are advised for women older than
age 40, for those in a high risk category, and for those who
had a positive test previously. If a Pap test is positive or
suggest malignancy, cervical biopsy can confirm the
diagnosis.
Purpose
▪ To detect malignant cells.
▪ To detect inflammatory changes in tissue.
▪ To assess response to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
▪ To detect viral, fungal, and occasionally, parasitic invasions.
Procedure
Patient Preparation
1. Instruct the patient to avoid intercourse for 24 hours,
douching for 48 hours, and vaginal creams or medication
for 1 week.
2. Just before the test, instruct the patient to empty her
bladder.
3. During the procedure, she might experience a slight
discomfort but no pain from the speculum; however, she
may feel some pain when the cervix is scraped.
4. Explain the procedure takes only 5 to 10 minutes to
perform.
5. Instruct the patient to disrobe from the waist down and to
drape herself.
6. Ask her to lie on the examining table and to place her heels
in the stirrups.
(Pap Smear)
Definition
▪ The Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) is a widely known
cytologic test for early detection of cervical cancer. The can
also be used to detect cancerous cells of the breast, lung,
stomach, and renal system. A physician or specifically
trained nurse scrapes secretions from the patient’s cervix
and spreads them on a slide, which is sent to the laboratory
for cytologic analysis.
▪ An alternative method is to use the Thin Prep preservative
solution rather than a slide. The Thin Prep was introduced
in 1996 and allows testing for malignancy cells from the
cervix and shows the cell maturity, metabolic activity, and
morphology variations.
▪ The American Cancer Society recommends a Pap test every
3 years for women between ages 20 and 40 who aren’t in a
high-risk category and who have had negative results from
three previous Pap tests. Yearly tests (or tests at physician-
, recommended intervals) are advised for women older than
age 40, for those in a high risk category, and for those who
had a positive test previously. If a Pap test is positive or
suggest malignancy, cervical biopsy can confirm the
diagnosis.
Purpose
▪ To detect malignant cells.
▪ To detect inflammatory changes in tissue.
▪ To assess response to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
▪ To detect viral, fungal, and occasionally, parasitic invasions.
Procedure
Patient Preparation
1. Instruct the patient to avoid intercourse for 24 hours,
douching for 48 hours, and vaginal creams or medication
for 1 week.
2. Just before the test, instruct the patient to empty her
bladder.
3. During the procedure, she might experience a slight
discomfort but no pain from the speculum; however, she
may feel some pain when the cervix is scraped.
4. Explain the procedure takes only 5 to 10 minutes to
perform.
5. Instruct the patient to disrobe from the waist down and to
drape herself.
6. Ask her to lie on the examining table and to place her heels
in the stirrups.
