Pap Smear

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a test used to detect changes in the cells of the cervix that indicate the presence of abnormal or precancerous cells. The test is named for the Greek physician, Georgios Papanikolaou, who first developed the technique. The Pap smear is a routine screening test for cervical cancer. During a Pap smear, a small sample of cells is collected from the cervix. The sample is then examined under a microscope to look for abnormal changes in the cells. Pap smears are generally performed as part of a pelvic exam, which may also include a breast exam and tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Pap smears are most often performed on women between the ages of 21 and 65. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women start getting Pap smears at age 21 and then get them every three years until age 30. After age 30, if a woman has had three consecutive normal Pap tests, she may be able to extend the time between tests to five years. Women over the age of 65 who have had regular, normal Pap smears and have no history of cervical cancer or serious precancerous changes may be able to stop getting Pap smears. Women who are at higher risk for cervical cancer may need to have the test more often.