What Does a Pap Test Check For?

A Pap test looks for cervical dysplasia, which is abnormal cell growth that can progress into cervical cancer. If cervical cancer is already present, a Pap test will be able to detect it.

Who Should Have a Pap Test?

Women who have been sexually active for three or more years or are 21 years of age and older should have a Pap test per calender year. Women who are 65 years of age and older may speak to their health care provider about stopping after having no abnormal results within a 10-year period.

The Test

A Pap smear tests for the presence of abnormal and normal cells.Your doctor will scrape cells from inside your cervix, which is located at the lower tip of your uterus. Once collected, cells are placed on laboratory glass and examined under a microscope.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases may also be detected by a Pap smear; however, some doctors may use other testing methods to check for them. HIV testing is not part of a routine Pap test, but a separate test may be given.

If You Do Not Have Insurance

A Pap smear may save your life. If you do not have insurance there are programs that have been set up by the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program that are offered for little to no cost. Planned Parenthood also offers low cost Pap smears.

Source:

FamilyDoctor.org

Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Mayo Clinic

More Information:

Planned Parenthood

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention