Vaginal cytology. What is it? Why should it be done?

Its real name Papanicolaou test or Pap smear is a procedure performed in the gynecological consultation, with the objective of detecting Cervical Cancer in time. A scraping of exocervical and endocervical cells is carried out to evaluate the morphology of the cervical cells.

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Cervical Cancer is a public health problem, as in most countries it is one of the leading causes of death among women. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that is transmitted by sexual contact, is the first cause of Cervical Cancer.

Every woman with an active sexual life should have the Pap test.

What is used to take the sample?

Vaginal speculum

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Spatula of Ayre

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Cytobrush

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Slide

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See: Brief anatomical reencounter of the female reproductive system.
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Process
To place the vaginal speculum, the fingers of the left hand (thumb and forefinger) separate the lips to expose the introitus and simultaneously with the right hand specula is taken and introduced, double movement is performed, penetration and rotation of the speculum, clockwise. It is introduced to the bottom of the vagina and the cervix is exposed, after the speculum is opened it is fixed.

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The spatula of Ayre is introduced, the sample is taken directly from the bottom of the posterior sac and then with the other end of the spatula of the ectocervix by superficial scraping, and removed.

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The cytobrush is then introduced into the endocervix and a gentle 360 ° rotation is performed.

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The sample is spread on the slide (gently without friction) and fixed.

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Recommendations:

• Do not use douching approximately 48 hours before the test
• Sexual abstinence 3 days before the test
• Avoid doing it during the menstrual period
• Avoid using vaginal creams and ovules days before.

If you are sexually active, consult a gynecologist and perform Pap test

References:
-Obstetricia y Ginecóloga, Dr. Orlando Rigol; Editorial Ciencias Medicas 2004.La Habana,Cuba.
-Manual de Obstericia y Ginicologia, Dra.Constanza Ralph, Dr. Jorge Carvajal; 3ra Edición; Agosto 2012. Chile