A Pap test or smear, is a screening that examines the cells of the cervix to detect abnormalities that could potentially lead to cancer. The test was named after Dr. Papanicolaou, who developed the test in 1940. Having a yearly Pap test has been shown to reduce the rates of cervical cancer by about 70 percent. The test is not 100 percent accurate, however, having both false positives and false negatives, but accuracy has been increased with newer innovations.
With the conventional Pap smear, cervical cells are placed on a glass slide. The disadvantages of this type of Pap smear are:
1. 80 percent of the cells collected are discarded on the sampling device.
2. Cervical cells may be obscured by other cell types.
3. Cervical cells may not be adequately preserved.
4. Cervical cells may be clumped together, overlaying one another.
Now we have new liquid-based Pap tests, like ThinPrep, which University Health Services is currently using. Thin Prep has resolved the above-mentioned problems, improving the specimen quality. In this type of Pap, the cervical cells are rinsed into a liquid rather than placed on a slide. Advantages of the liquid-based Paps are:
1. 100 percent of the cells are collected into the vial.
2. A thin layer of cells is clear of obscuring cells (blood and mucus).
3. The sample is preserved immediately.
4. The filtration process disperses and randomizes cells.
All sexually active women, or women over the age of 18 should get a yearly Pap smear. Women who are at increased risk for cervical cancer are those:
* Who have more than one sexual partner or a sexual partner who has had more than one partner
* Who have had genital warts (HPV) or a partner who has genital warts
* Who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
* Who use tobacco
* Who began having sex at an early age
* Who use birth control pills
* Whose mother took diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant with them (DES was given years ago to prevent miscarriage)
* Who have had radiation therapy
* Who are being treated with drugs that suppress your immune system
The Pap smear is a valuable screening test that usually finds normal results. In those instances when it does not, do not be alarmed. Many things can cause the cells of your cervix to appear abnormal. Many of these conditions either resolve on their own or with treatment. Your health care provider will review your Pap smear with you and make recommendations for further care.
Source: www.udel.edu