Pap Smear

The Pap smear is a screening test to see if a woman has abnormal cells that may indicate the presence of or be predictive of cervical cancer. With routine Pap smear screenings over the past 50 years, such deaths from cervical cancer have decreased by 70 percent in the United States. A Pap smear examines cells collected from the cervix, or the mouth of the womb, for the presence of infection, inflammation, abnormal cells, and cancer. A woman should consult with her physician about when and how often a Pap test should be performed. Patients lie on a table and place their feet in stirrups. The doctor or nurse places an instrument (speculum) to open the vagina slightly, allowing access to the vagina and cervix. Cells scraped from the opening of the cervix are sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. Newer tests such as liquid-based Pap and human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing are available. 

Why UAB

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers comprehensive women's health care in a private, personal environment, with physicians and nurses who are dedicated to delivering excellent care. Because our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available. UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology is consistently ranked among the best programs of its kind in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

As part of the UAB Division of Women's Reproductive Healthcare, UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology’s services range from complete obstetric care to the medical and surgical treatment of complicated gynecological concerns. We work closely with the UAB Medicine Interventional Radiology team to diagnose and treat your condition, using the latest and most accurate technology and imaging methods, including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and CT scans. Because UAB Medicine is an academic health center, patients may be offered participation in clinical research trials, which can give you access to new techniques and treatments that are not available elsewhere in the area. Our physicians are here for you at all times, from your first routine gynecological exam, to delivering your baby, to guiding you through menopause. When you establish a relationship with our doctors, you can rely upon that relationship throughout your lifetime.

Images and Videos

UAB Medicine's Dr. Warner Huh explains the use of robotic-assisted surgery in treating gynecologic cancers in women.

The UAB Women and Infants Center

Warner Huh, MD discusses using robot-assisted surgery to perform hysterectomy.

PHYSICIANS

Savanna H Harland, CRNP
Savanna H Harland, CRNP
Warner K. Huh, MD
Warner K. Huh, MD
Fatiha Johnson, CRNP
Fatiha Johnson, CRNP

Related Conditions

This procedure may be used to treat or diagnose several different conditions. We have listed some of these conditions below for your convenience. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and may vary depending on your specific diagnosis.

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Pap Smear. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information on clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

View Clinical Trials