Women’s Health Services of Maryland
PAP SMEARS

PAP Smear

The Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer and precancerous cells of the cervix.

In order to collect a Pap smear, your doctor will insert a metal instrument called a speculum into the vagina.  By opening the speculum, the cervix can be seen.  The surface of the cervix is then scraped with a small brush.  The cells from the brush are collected into a jar and sent to the lab for evaluation under the microscope.

Ideally, you should not douche or have sex for 24 hours prior to a Pap smear.  If you are having a heavy menstrual flow, you should reschedule your Pap because excessive blood may interfere with the test.

Dr. Mert Dinc - MD

PAP Smear Categories

You will receive your Pap smear results within one week. 
• Normal:  no abnormal cells were seen.
• Atypical cells:  the cells are not clearly normal or abnormal.  This may be due to HPV, vaginal infections, or a processing issue in the lab.
• Abnormal:  the cells are precancerous, or dysplastic.  These will be further categorized as mildly abnormal or severely abnormal.  These abnormal cells are caused by exposure to a sexually-transmitted infection called HPV, or Human Papillomavirus.
The USPSTF 2012 guidelines for the frequency of PAP tests depends on the woman’s age:

•    Younger than 21:  No testing needed
•    Age 21-29:  Pap test every 2-3 years
•    Age 30-65:  Pap test every 2-3 years or Pap test plus HPV every 5 years
•    Older than 65:  No testing needed

If you have a history of abnormal PAPS, HPV infections, immune system problems, or multiple sexual partners, your doctor may recommend for you to continue to have Paps annually.
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