Human Papillomavirus Testing - Pap Test
A Pap test (Pap smear) is a screening test used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix that could develop into cervical cancer if left untreated. An HPV test detects infection with high-risk types of the Human papillomavirus infection, the virus responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer.
Although they are often performed during the same visit, the Pap test and HPV test are different tests:
Pap test: Looks for abnormal cervical cells.
HPV test: Looks for high-risk HPV DNA or RNA in cervical cells.
Together, they provide a more complete assessment of cervical cancer risk.
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