THIN PREP CERVICAL SMEAR TESTS

The standard Pap test involves taking cells from the cervix and putting them on a small glass slide and examining them under a microscope to look for abnormal cells.

The "Thin Prep" cervical smear test is a newer, more sensitive method of detecting pre-cancerous cervical cells.

In a thin prep, the smear test that a woman undergoes is the same as that of a standard smear. However, rather than using a glass slide, the cells from the cervix are placed directly into a liquid solution to preserve them.

The new test reduces the rate of false negative reports (ie. when disease is in fact present). By improving the chance of detecting pre-cancerouse changes, early treatment can be implemented.