A Pap smear (or cervical-vaginal smear) is a routine test performed as part of cervical cancer screening.
This test involves collecting surface cells from the cervix. It is performed during a gynecological exam.
The sample is then examined under a microscope in a cytology laboratory.
Based on the appearance of the cells, we can conclude that the cervix is normal, or that it has an infection, a precancerous lesion, or cancer.
Most of the abnormalities detected by Pap smears are related to HPV infection.