WHAT IS A PAP SMEAR?

2 A Pap smear (Pap test) is a test of a sample of cells taken from a woman's
cervix. The test is used to look for changes in the cells of the cervix that
show cervical cancer or conditions that may develop into cancer.
2 It is the best tool to detect precancerous conditions and hidden, small tumors
that may lead to cervical cancer. If detected early, cervical cancer can be
cured.
2 Pap screen testing should begin at age 21. Routine screening is recommended
every two years for women 21-29 years old. For certain women 30 years and
older who have had three consecutive normal screening test results, testing can
be done every three years.
2 Is the Pap Smear Painful?
A Pap smear is not painful, but the pelvic exam may be a little uncomfortable.
2 What Do the Results of a Pap Smear Mean?
A normal Pap smear means the cells from the cervix look normal.
An abnormal Pap smear means the cells do not look normal.
Sometimes repeat Pap smears are needed. Different tests also may
need to be done, such as a colposcopy (the use of a special
microscope to examine the cervix and vagina). Pap smears can
occasionally show signs of infection but cannot be relied on to
screen for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Other tests are
necessary to determine the presence of an STD. There are several
things you can do to help make the Pap smear as accurate as
possible. These include avoidance of sex, douching, and vaginal
creams for 48 hours before the test.
2 What Happens If the Results Are Abnormal?
An abnormal Pap smear does not necessarily mean that cancer cells were
found during the examination. There are many causes for abnormal Pap
smear results. Your doctor will evaluate the results to determine if
further testing is necessary.
2 Why Would I Need to Repeat the Pap Smear?
A repeat Pap smear may be necessary if you had an infection at the
time of the test or if there were not enough cells collected during the
test. Since decreased levels of the female hormone estrogen also can
influence Pap smear results, menopausal women may need to take
estrogen before they repeat the test.
If the results of the repeat Pap smear are still abnormal, your doctor
may recommend that you have a colposcopy to further evaluate the
problem
POSITIONING
2Privacy
2Buttocks just off
table
2Good Lighting
2Drape
2Standby
Padded Stirrups

2Soft, padded stirrups

2Oven mitts
2Socks
2Battle dressings
Inspect

2Spread labia
2Discharge
2Ulcers
2Growths
m

wmm
  
?m
  

2Warm water
2Not too hot
2Lubricates speculum
2Don t use K-Y,
Surgilube or Vaseline
to lubricate speculum
 
  
2Spread labia
2Keep labia apart
2Blades remain closed
until fully inserted
m m


2 

 


!

"
"
 "




2 #  
 !
$ 

2%


#
&


!
 
2!
 
!

"!
!

m' 
m m

2Èoncave end to fit the

cervix
2Èonvex end for vaginal
wall and vaginal pool
scrapings
m
 w(
2Use concave end
2Rotate 360 degrees
2Dond t use too much
force (bleeding, pain)
2Dond t use too little
force (inadequate
sample)
')*

2Insert ~ 2 cm (until
brush is fully inside
canal)
2Rotate only 180
degrees (otherwise will
cause bleeding)
m%
m
 m

2As thin as possible

2Properly labeled
m'
?*
+(mw
2Within 10-15
seconds
2Allow to fully dry
before packaging
2Èytologic Fixative
(hairspray works
acceptably also)