Test Pap – Thin Prep

The Pap test is one of the most well-known prevention tests in medicine. The aim of this test is to prevent and diagnose precancerous and cancerous conditions in the vaginal and cervical area.

What is the Pap smear procedure?

The Pap test is performed in the gynecologist's office. The examination includes a visual inspection of the vulva and then the selection of the appropriate speculum is made. Through the use of a special spatula, cells are collected from the vagina, from the ectocervix and the endocervix of the uterus. The cells collected are fixed and thoroughly examined by a cytologist. Through this test, some elements of inflammation or microorganisms can be identified, but most importantly, they may become detectable abnormal cells, for which, if not immediately identified and treated, may develop into malignancy after certain years. In addition, it gives us information about the hormonal status of the woman.

This procedure is a simple, fast, economical and pain-free gynecological eWhen should the test be performed?

It is known that women undergo a Pap smear after one year after their first sexual intercourse and until at least the age of 65. If the results of the first Pap smear are normal, then the woman will need to repeat the test once a year. However, in cases where an abnormality is detected, then the woman must perform a colposcopy and then the gynecologist will suggest the frequency of repeating the Pap test.

Thin Prep

This method significantly increases the diagnostic accuracy in the examination of the vaginal and cervical smear according to Pap, reaching an accuracy of about 90% compared to the conventional Pap test where the corresponding sensitivity is 65%.

Exam preparation

In order for the results of the examination to be as reliable as possible, the following preparation should be made:

• 48 hours before the examination, vaginal washes or the use of any vaginal medication should be avoided
• Avoidance of sexual intercourse from 2 to 3 days before the test
• No examination is performed during menstruation examination.

Importance of the Pap smear

Prevention for cervical cancer is the A-Z for every woman and can be achieved through the Pap test. The incidence rates of cervical cancer are becoming lower and lower through the systematic Pap smear test performed by the majority of women.

 Liquid-phase cytological technique

Thin prep cytology is an alternative method of examining cervical cells in which abnormalities are diagnosed more accurately and safely. Thin prep is a liquid-phase cytological technique that was first used in 1996 in the USA.

This method significantly increases the diagnostic accuracy in the examination of the vaginal and cervical smear according to Pap, reaching an accuracy of about 90% compared to the conventional Pap test where the corresponding sensitivity is 65%.

Other advantages of this method are that the sample is properly maintained, i.e. the material remains unchanged as it is kept immediately in a suitable liquid. In addition, detection and typing of human papillomavirus (HPV) strains can be performed simultaneously, as well as identification of chlamydia and other microorganisms (e.g. mycoplasma, ureoplasma).

The Gynecologist – Obstetrician DR. Athanasios Papanikolaou provides you with the appropriate medical advice and is next to you in any stress that arises during the Pap test. With discretion and respect for every woman, she makes sure to offer personalized treatments that will provide a solution to any problem. Do not hesitate to contact him!