The Papanicolaou test (also called Pap test, Pap smear, cervical smear, smear test) is a preventive medical procedure designed for healthy, asymptomatic women who might have precancerous or early signs of lesions that could develop into cervical cancers. This test remains an effective widely used method also for detection of infection or inflammation in the endocervix and endometrium.

With primary screening done by Pap test, cervical cancer rates have dropped dramatically in many countries and hence is proven to be most effective in detection of cervical cancers.

The test is recommended to all women who are sexually active and above the age of 18 years.

The screening interval is usually every year, although, if there have been no previous abnormal tests, the interval may be extended. If results are abnormal then depending on the nature of abnormality the test is repeated in 3 to 12 months.

The testing is carried out when the woman is not menstruating; the best time is between 10 and 20 days after the first day of the last menstrual period. For about 2 days before a Pap test, she should avoid douching or using vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams, or jellies (except as directed by a physician). These may wash away or hide abnormal cells. Also, a woman should not have sexual intercourse for 1 to 2 days before a Pap test, because this may cause unclear results. Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) do not need to undergo cervical cancer screening, unless the surgery was done as a treatment for cervical pre-cancer or cancer.