What is a Pap smear?
A pap smear is a routine screening test done by your provider during a pelvic exam. The surface of the cervix (mouth or neck of the womb or uterus) is scraped with a spatula and the scraped-off cells from the cervix are fixed on a glass slide. This slide is called a pap smear and is sent to a special lab where it is processed and evaluated by highly trained technicians and doctors. B
How do you get a diagnosis or know what’s wrong?
Specially trained providers use an instrument called a "colposcope" to examine your cervix carefully. The colposcope is similar to a microscope. It is attached to a floor stand and magnifies the cervix under a powerful beam of light. By using this instrument, the doctor can locate any suspicious areas on the surface of the cervix that are not visible to the naked eye. The provider will take small tissue samples (biopsies) from these areas. The specimens are sent to the pathology lab for processing and evaluation. Upon receipt of results of biopsy, you will be contacted by your provider who will then read the report and discuss the treatment advised.
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