[Obtaining an adequate Pap cell test]

Routine use of the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear has led to a decrease in mortality from cervical carcinoma. The Papanicolaou test examines exfoliated cells to detect preinvasive lesions (eg, dysplasia, carcinoma-in-situ) as well as invasive lesions. Cervical screening is recommended for women who are sexually active regardless of age. For the woman who is not sexually active, cervical screening should begin at 18 years of age. An essential part of a good Pap smear technique is that the specimen should consist of cells from the squamocolumnar junction. It is important that the specimen should be fixed quickly.