Papanicolaou (Pap) test

(noun)

screening of the cervical cells used to detect abnormal cells that may develop into cancer.

Related Terms

Examples of Papanicolaou (Pap) test in the following topics:

  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

    • In more developed countries, cervical screening using a Papanicolaou (Pap) test or liquid-based cytology is used to detect abnormal cells that may develop into cancer.
    • Pap smears have reduced the incidence and fatalities of cervical cancer in the developed world, but even so there were 11,000 cases and 3,900 deaths in the U.S. in 2008.

  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

    • Different tests can be used for diagnosis such as pelvic ultrasound and laboratory tests for STIs.
    • Usually, more than one test is needed for proper diagnosis.

  • The TORCH Panel of Tests

    • The TORCH panel of tests acronym spells out as follows:
    • Micrograph of a pap test showing changes (upper-right of image) associated with Herpes Simplex Virus, a TORCH infection.

  • Fungi