The cervico-vaginal smear is a routine screening test for cervical cancer.
This examination involves removing superficial cells from the cervix. It is performed during a gynecological examination.
The sample is then examined under a microscope in a cytology laboratory.
Depending on the appearance of the cells, we can assume that the cervix is normal, or that it has an infection, precancerous lesion or cancer.
Most lesions detected by Pap smears are linked to HPV infection.