In a small percentage of cases, it may be cancer, but in general, a single “abnormal” Pap smear does not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer. The lining of the cervix is subject to constant changes and repairs. You may undergo additional tests and/or procedures to determine if the abnormal Pap smear is important. (Updated April 2008). Pap smear, What is a Pap smear? Familydoctor.org [Online Information]. Available online at familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/reproductive/gynecologic/138.html. Retrieved February 2009. It is important that if you do not understand the results of your Pap smear, ask your doctor for clarification. Many of the abnormal results reported on a Pap smear are benign, self-resolve, or treatable. However, regular screening for cervical cancer remains important to ensure that potentially serious problems are detected early. Current guidelines indicate that HPV screening alone may be an appropriate way to detect cervical cancer early in some women. You should have a discussion with your doctor about the pros and cons of the hpV test with or without Pap smear so that you can decide which approach is best for you based on your lifestyle and medical history.
(January 21, 2015, updated). Screening for cervical cancer. National Cancer Institute [Information online]. Available online at www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/patient/cervical-screening-pdq#link/stoc_h2_2. Accessed May 17, 2015. Pap and HPV test results go hand in hand when it comes to determining a woman`s risk of cervical cancer. The results of a Pap smear and HPV tests (usually reported as negative or positive) can help determine if cervical cells are infected with a high-risk type of HPV and identify abnormal changes in cervical cells. A Pap smear (Pap test) is primarily a screening test for cervical cancer. It is used to detect abnormal or potentially abnormal cells in the vagina and cervix, the narrow lower part of a woman`s uterus. Use the cervical brush to get cells from the upper third of the lateral vaginal wall.
Then turn the brush in the PreservCyt solution® 10 times while pressing against the wall of the vial. Rotate the brush vigorously to release extra material. Discard the brush. Tighten the cap of the PreservCyt® solution container so that the torque line on the cap passes the torque line on the vial. Write down the patient`s name and identification number on the vial and place it and the test request form in a sample bag for transport to the laboratory. THE LOINC Codes® are protected by copyright © 1994-2021, the Regenstrief Institute, Inc. and the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) Committee. Permission is granted on a perpetual basis without payment of royalties or royalties to use, copy or distribute the LOINC Code® for commercial or non-commercial purposes, subject to the terms of the License Agreement under loinc.org/license/. For more information about LOINC codes®, see LOINC.org, including the LOINC Guide, which can be downloaded from LOINC.org/downloads/files/LOINCManual.pdf (April 2015, updated). Vaccines for Children – A Guide for Parents and Caregivers. U.S. Food and Drug Administration [Online Information].
Available online at www.fda.gov/biologicsbloodvaccines/resourcesforyou/consumers/ucm345587.htm. Accessed May 2015. (2004 Copyright). Human papillomavirus (HPV). American Cancer Society [Information online]. Available online via www.cancer.org. A Pap smear can be used alone or with a molecular HPV test for cervical cancer screening every 5 years in women aged 30 to 65 years. HPV screening is not recommended until the age of 30, as HPV infections are common in younger, sexually active women and usually go away without treatment.
However, if a woman between the ages of 21 and 29 has an abnormal Pap smear, HPV tests may be done. Other malignant tumors: Malignant tumors that are not primary squamous cell carcinoma and glandular adenocarcinoma are sometimes seen on a Pap smear and reported here. The Pap smear can also be used to determine the underlying cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain, soreness, discharge or itching. Store liquid-based cytology samples at room temperature. Pap treatment should be carried out within 21 days of collection. Samples in ThinPrep vials should be processed for HPV testing® within 21 days of collection. Further information can be found in the following literature. We stay up to date with revised test information and new tests. Take a look at the list below to see which tests have been added or updated in the last 45 days. For more information on high-risk HPV and Pap co-tests, see Human Pap virus (HPV) testing. Other reported Pap smear results, such as infections or atypical cells, are discussed in detail in the next section: Understanding your Pap smear report (Pap test).
Pap smears, when performed regularly, improve the detection and treatment of precancerous cells, which helps prevent the development of cervical cancer. In addition, the test can help detect cervical cancer in the early stages, when it is best treatable. A “negative” Pap smear means that the cells look normal or that no infection is detectable. The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). That`s why HPV screening is now recommended in conjunction with a Pap smear for women between the ages of 30 and 65. If you have a LabCorp LinkTM username/password, you can submit your request for an additional test electronically. You can also call your local lab and add the test request. After the verbal top-up order, you will receive a written request for approval for the verbal order and LabCorp will provide a fax number to return this form to the lab with signature and any other additional information required. In some cases, a Pap smear may be flagged as “unsatisfactory” for evaluation.
This may mean that there were not enough cells to study or that the cells could not be clearly identified. In this case, a Pap repeat may be recommended in about 2 to 3 months, but this does not necessarily mean that there is a significant problem. (2004 Copyright). Human papillomavirus (HPV). ARUP Clinical Laboratory Testing Guide [Online Testing Information]. Available online at www.arup-lab.com/guides/clt/tests/clt_302a.jsp#3465668. The Pap smear is usually used as a screening test. A certain percentage of abnormalities can go unnoticed with a single Pap smear, which is why it is important to do Pap smears regularly.
An important limitation of the test concerns sampling. The Pap smear represents a very small sample of cells present on the cervix and vaginal area. Even for the most experienced doctor, sampling may not provide enough cells to be examined, and a repeated Pap may be necessary. Provide date of birth, Social Security number (or other identification number), previous malignancy, pharmacotherapy, radiation therapy, last menstrual period (PML), postmenopausal patient (PMP), surgery (including surgical biopsies), exogenous hormones, abnormal vaginal bleeding, abnormal Pap results, IUD, and all other relevant clinical information on the cytological test request form. Note: In the United States, more than 28.5 million are reported each year. Pap smears are performed and about 13,000 new cancers are reported. The probability of a positive Pap smear for cancer is quite low. A doctor may also prescribe a Pap smear if a woman is pregnant or has signs and symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding. Other screening tests may be done at the same time as a Pap smear. For more information, see screening recommendations for young adults, adults and adults 50 years of age and older. Abnormal cells and infections may be present without causing any noticeable symptoms. In some cases, further tests and/or treatments may be required.
The Pap smear can be used in follow-up to monitor abnormalities or unusual results on an initial Pap smear. Pap smear is mainly used to look for cervical cancer. It is used to look for cancerous or precancerous cervical and/or vaginal cells. It can be used with a test for high-risk types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Depending on your age and medical history, you may be monitored more closely (p.B. a repeated Pap smear in a year) to see if the abnormal cells are cleared, or you can have an HPV test if you haven`t already. Depending on these results, additional tests, procedures and/or treatments may be performed. HPV infection can cause changes in the cells lining the inside or outside of the cervix.
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