Who does the Pap Test?

The pap smear can be done by a doctor, physician's assistant, nurse, nurse practitioner, or midwife. In this booklet we will use the word clinician to mean all those people. Pap smear and pap test mean the same thing in this booklet.

The person at the laboratory who examines your cells must be specially trained, pass a test for cell examiners, and look at only a certain number of tests each day. The laboratories, even the ones in doctors offices, must follow special rules.

After your pap test, be sure to call the clinician or nurse to get the results and any recommendations for follow up. And never be afraid to ask questions.