Also called a “Pap smear,” a Pap test is done as part of a pelvic exam. Using a cotton swab, small brush, or other instrument, the doctor takes a sample of cells from the cervix.

The sample is placed on a glass slide and is analyzed in the laboratory to detect the presence of abnormal cells if necessary.

These can indicate that cervical cancer might appear later. When caught early, these abnormal cells can be treated effectively before they turn into cancer.

It is estimated that up to 9% of test results are abnormal or insufficient and require retrying the Pap test or having an additional test.

There is a more “modern” variant of the Pap test, called “Liquid Pap” or “Liquid Cytology”.

This test makes it possible to more effectively identify the presence of abnormal cells or the virus and to detect the strains responsible for the infection.

Recently, Health Canada approved a test that analyzes HPV DNA. It is only done if the Pap test result is abnormal. Currently, it is not available across Canada.