What is a Pap Smear Test?

A Pap smear, or simply smear test, is a tool used in cervical (cervix) cancer screening that can diagnose precancerous lesions in their early stages, contributing significantly to the successful outcome of treatment.

When is the Pap Smear Test Done?

The Pap Smear Test, which is quite simple and painless, should be performed 3 years after the first sexual intercourse or after the age of 21.

For women under 30 years old, the Pap Smear Test is recommended to be done once a year, while for women over 30 years old, it should be done three times consecutively.

How is the Smear Test Done?

The test begins by placing the patient on the examination table and opening the vaginal canal with a device called a speculum, allowing the collection of a sample from the area called the transformation zone of the cervix using a brush-like swab.

Then, this sample is either spread directly onto a slide and examined under a microscope or processed in a liquid-based method, where it is placed in a liquid, undergoes various procedures, and the cells are screened.

The goal of both methods is to examine the cells taken from the cervix to detect any potential cancer or precancerous lesions.

The procedure is painless and takes 15-30 seconds.