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Pap Smears detect abnormal cervical cells that may develop into Cervical cancer. This is abnormality in cells is usually caused by HPV, human papiloma virus.
Well, that's a question that has a short answer, and a longer explanation. The pap smear looks for damage due to high-risk HPV infection.
The purpose of the pap smear is to identify patients who need further testing for cancerous and precancerous changes on the cervix. In the pap smear, a sample of cells is taken from the cervix and a specialist looks at the cells under a microscope (or a computer reads the result). In some cases, the health care provider may also request an test for high-risk (cancer-causing) HPV subtypes with the pap smear. Under the most recent guidelines for cervical cancer screening, this test is done for women 30 and over, or is added on in the case of a mildly abnormal pap (i.e. an ASCUS result). This test for high-risk HPV subtypes is not meant to tell you that you do or don't have HPV, but is only meant to highlight which patients need a different test schedule based on cancer-causing HPV subtypes.
In the course of collecting a Pap smear, the health care provider can also request that the lab check for STDs. In some cases, a test for STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can be added on to the lab request and tested from the same swab. In other cases, a second swab is sent out for the infections, and a microscopic examination of the vaginal discharge can also be done to check from trichomoniasis.
In rare cases, a pap smear may show infection with trichomoniasis, but a normal pap smear can not be assumed to mean no trich infection. In even rarer cases, a pap may show signs of herpes. Herpes will only show up if there's active infection on the cervix, and a woman with a normal pap smear must not assume that she does not have herpes.
In summary:
- A pap smear is a screening test to find out what women need further testing to rule out cancerous or precancerous changes on the cervix.
- A pap smear may occasionally detect trichomoniasis or herpes, but a normal pap doesn't mean you don't have an STD.
- HPV testing during pap smears is not meant to tell you if you have now or have ever had HPV; it's only meant to detect high-risk HPV subtypes so that an appropriate screening schedule can be targeted to your needs.
- HPV testing is not done on every pap smear. Ask your health care provider about the cervical cancer testing plan that's appropriate for your age and Pap history.
What else can I help you with?
Medical test called Papanicolaou?
The Papanicolaou Test, also called a Pap test or Pap smear is used to detect cervical cancer. A variation, the anal Pap is used to detect anal cancer.
What tests detect minimal cervical dysplasia?
Papanicolaou Test
What is the Papanicolau test used to detect?
The Papanicolou test is used to detect possible precancerous and cancerous lesions that need further evaluation. It is not a diagnostic test, but is a screening test. Most commonly, we think of pap smears as detecting cervical cancer, but they may also be used to detect vaginal or anal cancer.
How did the pap test get its name?
It is called the "Pap" test after its developer, Dr. George N. Papanicolaou.
What type of urine test is used to detect Darvocet?
A Propoxyphene test is used to detect Darvocet.
What is a polygraph test used to detect?
A polygraph is used to help detect if someone is lying.
An exfoliative biopsy of the cervix and surronding tissues is known as?
Papanicolaou test also known as pap smear test
Are swab test used to detect alcohol?
They can be.
What screening is used to test for breast cancer?
A breast biopsy is not a screening test. A screening test is a test used to detect disease in a patient who has no signs and symptoms. A breast biopsy is a test used to detect disease in someone who has signs and symptoms.
Can this test be used to detect menopause?
What test??? I don't understand the question!!
How do you pass an it test?
To pass a drug test you have to have drugs on you or if you used it then they will detect it.
Can a hair test detect when you used?
A hair test, won't say when you've used, only if you have used.
