a test for women to check for any changes in the cervix (the neck of the uterus) which may lead to cervical cancer. A nurse or doctor slides a plastic or metal instrument called a speculum into the woman's vagina and scrapes a small smear of tissue from the surface of the cervix. This is then tested for unusual cells. It is recommended that all women should have a checkup after they been having sexual intercourse for more than a year. Most people find this embarrassing the first time, but it can save your life. It is usually painless, though it can sometimes be a little uncomfortable.
A test in which a sample of cells is scraped from the surface of the cervix, to be looked at under a microscope. See cervical smears section.
a sample of secretions and superficial cells of the uterine cervix and uterus; examined with a microscope to detect any abnormal cells
a screening test to detect cancer of the cervix
a simple examination to check if there are any abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix or neck of the womb, which might lead to cancer if left untreated
a simple procedure which involves painlessly taking a few cells from the end of the cervix in order to analyse early signs of the development of cervical cancer
a test used on women to tell if there are any changes in the health of the cervix
Also known as a PAP smear “Papanicolaou test. A simple test offered to all women and involves a cell sample being taken from all around the neck of the womb. This is then tested for any infection and for pre-cancerous cells.
A procedure in which cells are scraped off of the cervix and examined to detect changes that might precede the stages of cancer; also called a Pap smear.
An examination during which a small scraping of cells is taken from the neck of the womb. The cells are then checked under a microscope, to see if any could later change to cancer.
a routine test to detect any abnormal cells in the cervix.
A screening test to detect early abnormal cell changes in the cervix so as to prevent cervical cancer
an internal examination which involves removing some of the cells from the cervix for testing for abnormalities.
A screening test for cancer of the neck of the womb.
A sample of the cervical mucus examined microscopically to assess the presence of estrogen (ferning) and white blood cells, indicating possible infection.