A Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, is a screening tool for cervical cancer in women. During a Pap smear, a healthcare provider collects cells from the cervix, which is the lower, narrow end of the uterus thats at the top of the vagina. The cells are then examined under a microscope for signs of cancer or precancerous changes. The test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous, and it is named after an American physician, Dr. George Papanicolaou, who developed the Pap smear.

In addition to detecting cervical cancer, a Pap smear may also detect certain infections and inflammation. Healthcare providers may also perform HPV tests during Pap smears. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer, and detecting it early can help prevent the development of cervical cancer.

It is recommended that women between the ages of 21 and 65 get regular Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. The frequency of Pap smears depends on age, medical history, and the results of the last test. If an abnormality is detected during a Pap smear, further testing may be necessary, such as a colposcopy, which is a special exam to look more closely at the cervix to see if there are precancerous cells.