Pap Test
(previously called Pap Smear)

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What is a Pap test?

• A Pap test is a test that checks the cells of the cervix, which is the opening to the uterus and is located at the top of your vagina.
• The test checks for changes that could lead to cervical cancer if not treated.
  
• During a pelvic exam, the health care provider inserts a speculum into the vagina and collects some cells from the cervix with a swab or spatula and brush.
• It may cause very minor cramping, which is usually not painful. The test only takes a few minutes.

Why is a Pap test so important?

• Women who have precancerous cervical changes usually do not have any symptoms, so a Pap test is the only way to know whether those changes are present.
• Regular Pap tests can prevent most cervical cancers by detecting precancerous changes long before they become cancer. Those potentially pre-cancerous changes can be easily treated and eliminated.

When should I start getting Pap tests?

• About three years after your first sexual intercourse, or by age 21 at the latest.

How often should I get a Pap test?

• Most women need to have Pap tests once a year until they have had 3 normal paps in a row. Then the interval may be extended to every 2 to 3 years, depending on individual circumstances. Talk to your healthcare provider about your individual situation

When is the best time for a Pap test?

• One to two weeks after your period is over and after any bleeding from the vagina has stopped
• After any infection in the vagina has been treated and cleared (e.g. yeast infection)

How do I get ready for a Pap test?

• Do not have sex (i.e. penis in vagina) for 48 hrs prior to the test
• Do not put anything in the vagina for 48 hrs before the test (e.g. tampon, douches, cervical caps, diaphragms, creams or foams)

How will I know what my Pap test result is?

• The Pap test is sent to the lab. The results are sent from the lab to your healthcare provider who will contact you if your results are NOT normal.

Possible Pap test results:

• Normal - This is good. The cervical cells are healthy. If previous Pap tests have also been normal, you will not need a Pap test for one year.
• Unsatisfactory specimen - This specimen cannot be read. Causes include douching, bleeding, infection, or not enough cells in the slide. The Pap test should be repeated after the cause is eliminated, as your healthcare provider instructs..
• ASCUS - Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance. The pap test showed some changes in the cells but the cause is not clear. Usually the changes resolve on their own but sometimes additional testing will be recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Low grade changes - This most likely indicates that you have been infected with HPV. Some types of HPV can be associated with the increased risk of cervical cancer. Your healthcare provider will recommend specific follow-up. This usually includes a colposcopy.
• High grade changes - The cells of the cervix have been infected with one of the HPV types that can cause cancer, but they are not cancerous yet. Colposcopy is needed to determine the location and nature of the abnormal area. Biopsy and treatment may be necessary. Evaluation and treatment of the cervix with high grade changes are VERY important. Fortunately, progression to cancer usually takes years, so there is plenty of time to make arrangements for appropriate evaluation.
  

Maintained by: studenthealth@virginia.edu Last Modified: Thursday, 25-Oct-2007 13:22:42 EDT © 2002 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia