Chapter 2: Papanicolaou (Pap) Test Flashcards
Pap test is also called?
Pap smear.
What is a Pap test (Pap smear)?
A screening procedure to test for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix.
Is Cervical Cancer screening an essential part of routine health care?
Yes.
What is the first step when doing a Pap test?
Patient lies on an exam table in a lithotomy position.
What is the second step when doing a Pap test?
Examiner inserts an instrument called speculum into the vagina so the upper portion and cervix can be seen.
What is the first way the sample of cervical cells are collected?
With a wooden or plastic spatula.
What happens after the cervical cells are collected with a wooden or plastic spatula?
The specimen is smeared on a glass microscope slide, sprayed with a fixative and then sent to the lab for analysis.
What is the second way the sample of cervical cells are collected?
A liquid-based test, cervical cells are collected with a brush or broom are places in a vial of liquid preservative.
What does the brush or broom do?
Is vigorously swirled in the solution to release cellular material.
What happens after the vial with cervical cells is collected?
Is sent to a lab for analysis.
What is one advantage of liquid-based testing?
The same cell sample can be tested for presence of high-risk types of human papaillomavirus (HPV).
What does the MA needs to provide following the collection of species when a Bimanual Exam is performed?
Water-soluble lubricant for the examiner’s gloves.
What does the examiner do during a Bimanual Exam?
Inserts the fingers of one hand into the vagina while the other hand applies gentle pressure on the abdomen to palpate the uterus and ovaries.
