US Medical Term · tests
Pap Smear (Pap Test)
Prueba de Papanicolaou
Also: Papanicolau (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Pap Smear (Pap Test) |
| Spanish (Español) | Prueba de Papanicolaou |
| Chinese (中文) | 子宮頸抹片 |
| Korean (한국어) | 자궁경부 세포진 검사 (팹 검사) |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Xét nghiệm Pap (phết tế bào cổ tử cung) |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pap Smear |
| Portuguese (Português) | Papanicolau |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การตรวจแปปสเมียร์ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 子宮頸部細胞診（パパニコロウ検査） |
What it means
A Pap smear (also called a Pap test or cervical cytology) screens for cervical cancer and abnormal cervical cells that could become cancerous if untreated. During a pelvic exam, a clinician gently inserts a speculum into the vagina, then uses a small brush or spatula to collect cells from the surface of the cervix. The sample is sent to a lab, where technicians examine the cells under a microscope. The test takes only a few minutes. Women typically begin Pap screening at age 21 and repeat every three years, or every five years when combined with HPV testing. Catching cell changes early allows treatment before cancer develops.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
How often do I need to get a Pap smear and when should I start?
¿Con qué frecuencia debo hacerme la prueba de Papanicolaou y cuándo debo comenzar?
My Pap smear came back abnormal — what does that mean for me?
Mi Papanicolaou salió anormal — ¿qué significa eso para mí?
Should I avoid sex or douching before my Pap test for the most accurate results?
¿Debo evitar tener relaciones o hacerme lavados vaginales antes del Papanicolaou para obtener resultados más precisos?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026