Pap smear

Alternative names:

Papanicolaou test

Normal values:

The test is negative, meaning there are no abnormal cells present.

What abnormal results mean:

The current system of reporting divides the results into three main areas: benign or noncancerous, precancerous or showing some abnormal cell changes, and malignant or possibly cancerous. A report in the latter two categories will usually lead to a follow-up examination, including a repeat Pap smear and possibly other tests. If you have never had an abnormal Pap smear before, and the result indicates a mild abnormality, the Pap test is repeated in 6 months. If the test result suggests a severe abnormality or cancer, you should undergo immediate colposcopic evaluation with biopies. If you have had an abnormal Pap test in the past, or have had treatment for a precancerous change, you should have an immediate colposcopy

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial