Papanicolaou


Pa·pa·ni·co·la·ou

(pa-pă-ni'kō-low), George N., Greek-U.S. physician, anatomist, and cytologist, 1883-1962. See: Pap smear, Pap test, Papanicolaou examination, Papanicolaou smear, Papanicolaou smear test, Papanicolaou stain.

Papanicolaou or Pap smear

This is a screening test for cancer of the cervix. Cells are scraped from the cervix, smeared on a glass plate, and sent to a laboratory to examine for any abnormal cells or dysplasia. This test may also detect other cells seen in certain vaginal infections.Mentioned in: Pelvic Exam