A cervical screening test, also known as a Pap smear or cervical cytology, is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. The goal of screening for cervical cancer is to find precancerous cervical cell changes, when treatment can prevent cervical cancer from developing. The test can also detect changes in cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future. During the test, a doctor or nurse takes a sample of cells from the cervix using a plastic or metal instrument called a speculum. The cells are then sent to a laboratory for testing. There are two main types of tests that can be done during a cervical screening:

• Pap test: This test looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately. The cells collected during the test are checked to see if they look normal.

• HPV test: This test looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause cell changes on the cervix. The cells collected during the test are tested for HPV.

Both tests can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic. The screening process is simple and fast, and usually takes only a few minutes. It is recommended that women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 have a cervical screening test every five years. The new cervical screening test is more accurate than the Pap smear test and the best test available for the prevention of most cases of cervical cancer. If the test results show abnormal cells, further testing or treatment may be needed.