Description : This test is done to detect cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix. Cells scraped off the cerivcal wall are examined microscopically. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that screening be done yearly in "high risk women" and less frequently at the physician's discretion for "low risk women." The criteria for high risk include: history of smoking, more than one sexual partner, first intercourse under age eighteen, and history of genital warts. Most physicians in the Singapore perform screening yearly

Result
Test result for normal values should be negative; meaning no abnormal cells are present. The traditional way of reporting classifies the cells into four classes
ClassI: Normal, no abnormal cells
ClassII: Atypical (not normal) but non-malignant cells present
ClassIII: Dysplasia (pre-cancerous)
ClassIV: Carcinoma in-situ (cancer but not invading)
ClassV: Invasive cancer

A recent way of reporting classifies the results into descriptive categories which may be difficult for the public to understand:
Normal
Atypical
Low grade
High Grade
Cancer

Procedure: The patient lies on her back with her feet in the stirrups. A speculum is inserted into the vagina and opened slightly. A cotton applicator inserted through the opening of the speculum is rubbed against the cervix to collect a sample. This sample of cells is spread on a slide, sprayed with a fixative and sent to the lab for detailed examination. There may be some discomfort felt during the short procedure but no risk is involved.