### Question
How is the "screening pap smear" defined?


### Answer
The term **screening pap smear** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 1395x* as follows -

> a diagnostic laboratory test consisting of a routine exfoliative cytology test (Papanicolaou test) provided to a woman for the purpose of early detection of cervical cancer and includes a physician's interpretation of the results of the test, if the individual involved has not had such a test during the preceding 3 years (or such shorter period as the Secretary may specify in the case of a woman who is at high risk of developing cervical cancer (as determined pursuant to factors identified by the Secretary))

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 1395x*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6-THE CHILDREN'S BUREAU > SUBCHAPTER XVIII-HEALTH INSURANCE FOR AGED AND DISABLED > Part C-Miscellaneous Provisions**

