Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

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Which of the following applies to a Pap smear?

  1. Tested in cytology

  2. Detects cervical cancer

  3. Stained with Papnicolaou stain

  4. All the above

The correct answer is: All the above

A Pap smear is a screening test primarily used for the detection of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes in the cervix. It involves collecting cells from the cervix and examining them microscopically. The test is conducted in the field of cytology, which is the study of individual cell characteristics and abnormalities. The collected samples are then stained using the Papanicolaou stain (commonly known as Pap stain), which allows for better visualization of the cellular detail and abnormalities. All of these aspects—testing in cytology, detecting cervical cancer, and being stained with the Papanicolaou stain—are integral components of what a Pap smear entails. Therefore, it is accurate to conclude that all the statements provided relate to the characteristics and functions of a Pap smear. This holistic understanding emphasizes the Pap smear's role in cervical cancer prevention and early detection.