Liquid-based Pap test, also referred to as liquid-based cytology, is a procedure used to microscopically test a small sample of cells. A Papanicolaou test (Pap test) is a screening tool used to detect cancer or abnormal cells in the cervix.
History
The Pap smear was developed and named after George Papanicolaou in the 1930s. It has become the most commonly used cervical cancer screening method in the world since World War II, according to eHealthMD.
Significance
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) released results from a clinical study showing the liquid-based Pap test is comparable to the Pap smear in detecting cervical cancer precursors, but showed an advantage in detecting carcinoma.
Considerations
A Pap test is recommended approximately every three years, beginning three years after the start of sexual activity, or no later than 21 years of age, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Risks
A false-negative, or abnormal result, can occur during testing. The Mayo Clinic estimates approximately 5 percent--one in every 20 women--have a false-negative Pap smear result. The liquid-base test provides fewer false-negative results.
Facts
The National Cancer Institute reports approximately 55 million Pap tests are performed in the United States yearly, with 3.5 million requiring medical follow-up due to abnormalities.
Tags: Cancer Institute, cervical cancer, National Cancer, National Cancer Institute, three years
