Thin Prep is the first real improvement on the classic Pap test, since its first appearance. The Thin Prep Pap Test is performed in the same painless way as the classic Pap test, but the difference is that the cells are not placed directly on a microscope slide, but in a vial of fixative fluid and then processed with a special machine.
The most important advantage of the Thin Prep Pap Test is that it ensures that all cells are collected and preserved properly, while with the classic Pap test most cells are discarded with the spatula and collection brush.
Further, the sample obtained with the Thin Prep Pap Test enables further examinations, which may be deemed necessary, without a repeat visit and new collection of cells.
Research findings have shown that the Thin Prep Pap Test provides more accurate results (over 90%) than the conventional Test Pap. It is today the most sensitive method of diagnosing and preventing cervical lesions.
Pap test cytology examination detects precancerous cervical lesions at a stage where treatment is radical and has been established internationally as a preventive cervical cancer screening. It has played a very important role, as shown by the clear reduction in the incidence of invasive cervical cancer.
The test is necessary even to an asymptomatic woman, as cervical cells may develop malignancies without pain or other symptoms and often without visible lesions during simple gynecological examination.
The Pap test should be performed at the beginning of sexual intercourse, regardless of age and then it should be repeated annually. The Pap test should be performed on days with no menstrual flow and after abstinence from sexual activity and internal vaginal washes for 48 hours. It is a painless examination, which lasts for less than five minutes.
