The Papanicolaou test (also called Pap smear, Pap test, cervical
smear, or smear test) is a screening test used to detect
potentially pre-cancerous and cancerous processes in the
endocervical canal (transformation zone) of the female
reproductive system. Unusual findings are often followed up by
more sensitive diagnostic procedures, and, if warranted,
interventions that aim to prevent progression to cervical
cancer. The test was invented by and named after the prominent
Greek doctor Georgios Papanikolaou. In taking a Pap smear, a
speculum is used to open the vaginal canal and allow the
collection of cells from the outer opening of the cervix of the
uterus and the endocervix. The cells are examined under a
microscope to look for abnormalities. The test aims to detect
potentially pre-cancerous changes (called cervical
intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical dysplasia), which
are usually caused by sexually transmitted human
papillomaviruses. The test remains an effective, widely used
method for early detecti