Pap test (Papanicolaou test)

A Pap test, or Papanicolaou test, is a screening procedure used to detect changes in the cells of a woman's cervix. During the test, a healthcare provider collects a small sample of cells from the cervix using a swab or brush. These cells are then examined in a lab for any abnormalities that could indicate cervical cancer or precancerous conditions. Regular Pap tests can help catch problems early when they are most treatable, and they are usually recommended every three years for women starting at age 21, or every five years when combined with HPV testing for women 30 and older.