Sickle cell tests have become routine in newborn screenings, but older children and adults may need to be tested as well. Read on to see if you or a loved one might benefit from being tested for ...

A pap smear (or pap test) is a screening for cervical cancer. It involves taking cells from the cervix and vagina and examining them under a microscope. The test is looking for cervical ...

As a mum, your days are probably a mix of nursery or school runs, while juggling work-related or other household tasks. This often means that your own health concerns often slip to the bottom of the ...

Although you can get a Pap smear during your menstrual period, some doctors may prefer you do not. A heavy flow may alter your exam results. If in doubt, it’s better to ask your OB-GYN, but try not to ...

It is possible to have an abnormal smear but a normal colposcopy result. This can happen when someone has a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection but no precancerous mutations in the cervix. Cervical ...

A smear test itself is a standard procedure. All women aged 25-49 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are invited for a cervical screening every three years (while in Scotland it's every five years ...

A Pap smear, or Pap test, is an important screening tool for cervical cancer. The test checks for precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus. It does not screen ...

People should avoid having sex for 2 days before a Pap smear, as sex can cause a discharge that may affect the result. People should also avoid douching, applying any contraception or medication ...