How is a Pap Test Performed?
The Pap test is performed to collect cervical cells for evaluation and is an essential part of a regular gynecologic exam. When you have your Pap test, you will be positioned on an exam table and a “speculum” will be gently inserted to open the vagina. The speculum allows the physician or nurse to view the cervix and upper vagina. Once the physician can see the cervix, a “broom” device or a brush/spatula combination will be used to collect the cells. While the technique is a little different depending on the device chosen, in general, the physician will gently rotate the device in the endocervix (the cervical canal) and the ectocervix (the portion of the cervix extending into the vagina) to collect squamous and glandular cells. (See Cervical Cancer, for more information).
