Who created the Pap smear test?

The Pap test was introduced by Dr George Papanicolaou, an American scientist of Greek origin whose research focused on the effect of ovarian hormones on the epithelium of the female reproductive tract. In 1926, he reported that tumour cells had been found in the vaginal secretions of women with cervical cancer. In 1944, he published his landmark paper “The Diagnosis of Uterine Cancer by the Vaginal Smear”, and his observations were immediately confirmed by other scientists and studies.

What is a Pap smear?

A Pap smear is a test that helps to prevent cervical cancer or detect it at an early stage. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. During a Pap smear, a healthcare professional collects cells from the cervix and sends them to a laboratory.

In the laboratory, the cells are examined under a microscope for cancer or for signs that they may become cancerous. Cells that may become cancerous are called precancerous. Detecting and treating precancerous changes can help prevent cervical cancer. A Pap smear is also a reliable way of detecting cancer at an early stage, when it is easier to treat.

Other names for the Pap smear: Papanicolaou test, cervical cytology, Pap test, Pap smear test, vaginal smear method.

Diagnostics in Switzerland also include this test to detect cervical cancer and to prevent its development at an early stage. The Pap test identifies abnormalities in cervical cells before they develop into cancer. Sometimes the collected cells are also tested for HPV, a virus that can cause cell changes that may lead to cancer.

How is a Pap test performed?

At Swiss clinics, a Pap smear is often performed as part of a gynaecological examination. During the examination, the doctor examines the uterus, ovaries and genital area, and also takes the Pap smear.

This is how a Pap test is carried out:

  • To take the smear, the doctor first inserts a small diagnostic instrument (a speculum) into the vagina.
  • Then, using a special spatula or a small brush, some cells of the mucous membrane are gently scraped from the cervix or directly from the cervical canal. The smear takes a few seconds and is usually painless.
  • The sample is placed on a glass slide and sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope. The cells are then assessed to see whether they look healthy or show noticeable changes. Alternatively, so-called liquid-based (thin-layer) cytology may be used, in which the sample is cleaned of residual blood and mucus before examination.

In most cases, the gynaecologist receives the Pap test result within a week. If there are noticeable changes, the gynaecologist contacts the patient to discuss the result and the next steps.

How to prepare for the test

Schedule your Pap smear outside your period. A suitable time for the test is about five days after the last day of menstruation. For two to three days before the examination, avoid:

  • Using tampons
  • Using contraceptive creams in the vagina
  • Using other creams or medicines in the vagina
  • Vaginal intercourse

When is the examination recommended, and for whom?

For all women without exception:

  • from the start of sexual activity: once a year;
  • from the age of 30, a combined test is recommended: Pap test + human papillomavirus test every 3 years;
  • sexually transmitted infections: at any age.