cervical smear test

cervical smear test

PAP smear. A screening test for cancer of the neck of the womb. Surface cells are scraped off with a wooden or plastic spatula and spread on a slide for microscopic examination. It was developed by George Nicholas Papanicolaou (1883–1962), an American pathologist of Greek origin. Many experts suggest 3-yearly screening for sexually active women over 35 and women who have been pregnant three or more times. The test is also advised for women asking for contraceptive advice. Developments in cervical smear technology include examination by robot.