Geisinger Medical Laboratories Cytopathology Specimen Collection

Screening Test for Cervical Cancer

The conventional Pap smear has been the traditional method of cervical screening since the 1950s. Technical improvements, such as the evolution of liquid-based, thin-layer preparations, have focused on improving the sensitivity of this excellent screening test. A negative results indicates a low probability of significant cervical lesions. However, the Pap test remains a screening test with inherent false-negative results.

Reviewed/revised:  1/20/2011