title: Pap smears. Do them right and every year--forever!
abstract: The Pap smear is still an important screening test for cervical cytologic abnormalities. When performed according to appropriate screening protocols (with special attention to high-risk women), the test can help to identify mild dysplasia early, before it progresses to a malignant state. Correct technique in obtaining the smear and accurate reporting by a competent cytologic laboratory are critical for valid results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Gall
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D011786:Quality Control; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000473:pathology; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000379:methods*