As the name indicates, the pap smear consists of cells lightly scraped from the cervix and smeared onto a glass slide. The test is named after the man who designed it in 1928, Dr. George Papanicolaou. Since then multiple studies have demonstrated the value of pap smears. Women of any age who are sexually active now or in the past or who have reached 18 years of age should have annual pap smears. Some practitioners may suggest less frequent intervals if a woman has three normal pap smears in row.
Some women are at higher risk for cervical cancer than others.
They are then examined under a microscope to look for changes from normal looking cells. A new tool is often used now instead of the wooden spatula. This plastic device is rotated in and around the cervix and then rinsed off in a bottle of fixative. A cytotechnologist then places cells on a glass slide for evaluation. A Cytotechnologist is a person who receives specialty training to look at the pap smear under the microscope and examine it for abnormal cell changes.