Papanicolaou test is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix or colon .
| FactSnippet No. 1,038,358 |
10 Facts About Pap test
2.
The test was independently invented in the 1920s by Georgios Papanikolaou and Aurel Babes and named after Papanikolaou.
| FactSnippet No. 1,038,359 |
3.
Pap test smear is performed by opening the vagina with a speculum and collecting cells at the outer opening of the cervix at the transformation zone, using an Ayre spatula or a cytobrush.
| FactSnippet No. 1,038,360 |
4.
The Pap test remains an effective, widely used method for early detection of precancer and cervical cancer.
| FactSnippet No. 1,038,361 |
5.
Pap test smear screening is still recommended for those who have been vaccinated against HPV since the vaccines do not cover all HPV types that can cause cervical cancer.
| FactSnippet No. 1,038,362 |
6.
Failure of prevention of cancer by the Pap test can occur for many reasons, including not getting regular screening, lack of appropriate follow-up of abnormal results, and sampling and interpretation errors.
| FactSnippet No. 1,038,363 |
7.
Micrograph of a Pap test showing a low-grade intraepithelial lesion and benign endocervical mucosa.
| FactSnippet No. 1,038,364 |
8.
In December 2017 Australia discontinued its use of the Pap test and replaced it with a new HPV test that is only required to be conducted once every five years from the age of 25.
| FactSnippet No. 1,038,365 |
9.
The Pap test is free as part of the national cervical screening program.
| FactSnippet No. 1,038,366 |
10.
Alternatively, the Pap test will be repeated at an earlier time than it would otherwise.
| FactSnippet No. 1,038,367 |