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Papanicolaou test

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Papanicolaou test
n.
See Pap smear.

Papanicolaou (Pap) test
[pap′ənik′əlou′]
Etymology: George N. Papanicolaou, Greek physician in U.S. practice, 1883-1962
a simple smear method of examining stained exfoliative cells. It is used most commonly to detect cancers of the cervix, but it may be used for tissue specimens from any organ. A smear, the Papanicolaou's (Pap) smear, is usually obtained during a routine pelvic examination annually beginning at 18 years of age. The technique permits early diagnosis of cancer and has contributed to a lower death rate from cervical cancer. The findings are usually reported descriptively. Also called
Usage notes: (informal)
Pap smear, Pap test.


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