What happens during an appointment for a pap smear?

Check for cancer: A pap smear is a test that is used to screen women for cervical cancer. First, the doc will ask you to undress from the waist down and lie on the table with your feet propped up. The doc will then insert a speculum into the vagina, which opens up so the cervix can be visualized. Next, the doc uses a brush to take a small sample of the cells lining the cervix, and the procedure is done.

Pap smear : A pap smear is performed by using a small wooden device (spatula) with an endocervical brush or a small plastic device (broom) to get a sample of cells from the outside and inside of the cervix. The sample is then studied by a cytotech and a pathologist. The liquid is sent for hpv testing also.