The speculum exam
Pap test for infections and cancer
For a Pap test, you will scrape a tiny bit of tissue from the cervix and vagina,
and put it on a thin piece of glass called a slide. To do a Pap test, you must
have access to a laboratory. At the laboratory, trained people must look at
the tissue under a microscope to know if it is healthy or not.
Before the test, gather these supplies:
spatula
long swab or
cytobrush
glass slide fixative
95%
ETHYL
ALCOHOL
1. Insert a speculum.
2. Place the end of the spatula that has 2 points
onto the cervix and roll it in a full circle
between your thumb and forefinger.
As you roll the spatula, gently scrape a
very thin layer of tissue off the cervix.
This should not hurt the woman, but
sometimes it is uncomfortable for her.
It is normal for the cervix to bleed a little.
3. Wipe the spatula onto one end of the slide.
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A Book for Midwives (2010)