CYTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION – PAP SMEAR TEST
the pap smear test is a method of investigating the condition of the cervix
the test remains an effective, widely used method for the early detection of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer
it can also detect infections and disorders in the endocervix and endometrium
for best results, tests should not be carried out during menstruation
it must have been preceded by abstinence from sex for at least 24 hours and must not have been preceded by vaginal douching, creams or suppositories
the examination starts like a vaginal examination by inserting a dilator into the woman’s vagina to open the vaginal cavity and allow access to the cervix.
gynecologist collects a sample of cells from the outer part of the cervix using the special “spatula”; an endocervical brush is rotated in the middle opening of the cervix t
the cells are placed in a glass slide and taken to the laboratory for analysis
the test is quick and painless under normal circumstances
conventional pap specimen is placed directly onto a microscope slide after collection.
fluid-based cytology-the cell sample (epithelial) is taken from the transition zone. the cells obtained are suspended in a preservative bottle for transport to the laboratory