The
Papanicolaou test (abbreviated as
Pap test, known earlier as
Pap smear,
cervical smear, or
smear test) is a method of
cervical screening used to detect potentially pre-cancerous and cancerous processes in the
cervix (opening of the uterus or womb). Abnormal findings are often followed up by more sensitive diagnostic procedures, and, if warranted, interventions that aim to prevent progression to
cervical cancer. The test was invented by and named after the prominent
Greek doctor
Georgios Papanikolaou.